The scones are rising, the teacups are polished, and the tables are filling fast.

The Gerringong Committee of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is getting ready to host its much-anticipated Mother’s Day Weekend High Tea on Saturday 10 May at 2pm, and tickets are expected to fly out the door.

Held at Gerringong Town Hall, the event is known for its warmth, elegance and generosity of spirit. Guests can expect delicious homemade treats, dainty sandwiches, and plenty of good company – all served by the hardworking volunteers of one of the town’s most enduring community groups.

Tickets are $35 per person with tables of up to eight people, and go on sale from Sunday 28 April at trybooking.com/CZYKA.

As regulars know, tickets often sell out within hours.

Behind the High Tea is a story of remarkable local commitment.

The Gerringong CMRI Committee has been raising funds since 1959 – through catering, craft shows, raffles, trivia nights and, of course, tea.

"You never know when you're going to need it," says Gwen Wishart, who joined the group in 1964. Now a great-grandmother, she still volunteers, still bakes, and still believes deeply in the cause.

CMRI supports vital research into childhood disease, and local committees like Gerringong’s ensure nearly every dollar raised goes directly to science.

It’s a cause that inspires loyalty and laughter, from long-standing members to newcomers.

"I don’t quilt and I don’t cook, but I can wash up and run a Bunnings barbecue," says Brenda Davy, who moved to Gerringong in 2020 and found herself part of the team after Lorraine Peade helped cater her wedding.

Lorraine Peade, a member since the 1990s and now the group’s publicity officer, says the strength of CMRI lies in its community.

"There’s a place for everyone. If you care, you belong."

Joyce, 94, is a founding and Life Member who still attends meetings and hand-embroiders coat hangers. Holly Fogarty (née Bailey) and Kate Cutri (née Cronin) represent a new generation, bringing cupcakes and creativity to the cause.

And while the tools have changed – events now sell out online, and card readers have replaced cash boxes – the commitment hasn’t.

"We laugh a lot, and we work hard," says Lorraine. "And if something goes wrong, we just pour more tea."

The next meeting is Monday 2 June at 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall. Everyone is welcome. Just bring a smile – and maybe a sponge cake.