The Why Not Us group that formed to assure the repair and restoration of the building at 100 E. State St, home of Angie’s Tea Garden, invites the public to help financially with the project.
“The effort is inclusive and we’re looking for contributions of any amount from everyone interested in the project,” a Why Not Us press release stated.
The Why Not Us ground swell to reopen Angie’s Tea Garden began a year ago. In February 2019, 40,000 gallons of water rushed into the tea room from an upstairs apartment when pipes froze. Angie’s Tea Garden, a popular venue for lunch or dessert and a destination for countless visitors to Jefferson, was forced to close and has not yet reopened.
After months of discussion about how the necessary repair could be done, Why Not Us formed. Since January 2020, 45 women have contributed $5,000 each to kick off the project. They elected a board of directors focused on moving the project forward.
The city of Jefferson acquired the building and is in the process of rebuilding the roof. When the building is turned over to Why Not Us, the group will renovate the building’s interior with a new kitchen, more seating, and expanded restroom space.
Persons who want to be involved can join the effort and make a contribution in any amount. Donations can honor a mother, grandmother, sister, special aunt or friend. Contributions to the Friends of Why Not Us can be listed as a memorial or tribute.
Persons who want more information can “like” the Why Not Us Facebook page or email WhyNotUsTea@gmail.com. Checks can be sent to Why Not Us board member attorney Rita Pedersen at PO Box 310, Jefferson, IA 50129, or dropped off at 114 S. Wilson Ave. Donors should include how they’d like their contribution listed in the Friends of Why Not Us recognition to be displayed in Angie’s Tea Garden.
Why Not Us board members include Peg Raney, Rita Pedersen, Debra McGinn, Carol Zwicky, Jacque Andrew, Shirley Stapleton, Ruth Freeman, Jeanne Myers, Ginny Showman and Karen Voge-Perkins.
