The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce reached out to its constituents as the New Year rang in, commemorating 2024 as a “year of community and connections” that closed with a sold out high tea party.
The chamber’s Women in Business group hosted the “Holiday Tea Party” on Dec. 18 at TeaLula in downtown Park Ridge.
All 40 tickets were sold to the sit-down, midday high tea event, said Jacqueline “Jackie” Mathews, who is part of the chamber’s leadership.
“The networking component is so important,” Mathews said. “The camaraderie piece is so important, and I feel is especially important for women in small businesses.”
She called Park Ridge a community of small businesses, with opportunities to “interact, to have colleagues to share, to learn from them, to bring up the next generation.
“As women, we understand each other, what we’re going through, we’re balancing life and work,” Mathews said. “It’s a challenge but it’s a beautiful opportunity as well and we get to share and celebrate that together.”
Erin Stojakovic and Tania Forte, both Park Ridge residents, are co-chairs of the chamber’s Women in Business group.
Having the opportunity for fellowship while networking “is just rewarding,” Stojakovic said. “Being connected to one another is the most important piece.”
Forte said hosting the event at TeaLula – owned by city resident Sheila Duda – was an additional show of support.
Duda said she and her staff were “thrilled” to host the high tea and applauded the turnout.
TeaLula Executive Chef Jeff Scialabba, of Park Ridge, and Duda presented the menu before noon service. Attendees were offered choices of tea, and warm or cold sweet and savory delicacies. Scones, petite sandwiches and a banana brûlée were part of the holiday menu.
Supporting local businesses, including woman-owned TeaLula, is “huge,” Scialabba said.
“It’s always been important, I’ve lived in Park Ridge for 50 years, so I do most of my shopping here in town,” Scialabba said.
The winner of the complimentary raffle gift basket was Simona Pappalardo, of Niles, a personal development coach. Pappalardo’s business is new and networking is, “very, very important.”
Caroleann Gallagher, a Park Ridge attorney, wore festive red for the TeaLula holiday tea and said it was “awesome” to get out and mingle over tea with other women in business.
Also wearing red was Chrissy Davis, of Park Ridge, whose business focuses on wellness and personal fitness.
“Networking is pretty important,” Davis said.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
