Circle of Hope’s longest running event returns on Saturday, Oct. 12, with surprises for its expected 200-plus guests.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Annual Afternoon Tea and Cocktail Reception, proceeds from which support the local non-profit’s mission of providing financial, emotional, and educational resources for uninsured and underinsured individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, their families, and the community.

The Tea, first held by Circle of Hope founder Colleen Shaffer, will move from its traditional outdoor setting to Robinson Ranch Golf Club in Sand Canyon. The new venue offers a more intimate, cohesive setting while eliminating weather concerns and reducing setup costs.

New also this year is the addition of a keynote speaker. Local KCAL9/KCBS2 news anchor Sandra Mitchell will be sharing her experiences as a broadcast journalist, world traveler and breast cancer survivor.

Guests will notice gluten-free selections on the their tea fare menu this year, a decision that delights Circle of Hope’s board president, Jill Bondy, who notes, “It’s disappointing to be gluten-free at an event like this and have nothing to eat.”

Executive Director Ray Tippet is optimistic about the changes. “This event, like many, has evolved, getting better every year. It’s all about coming together in a beautiful setting, enjoying the food, the music, the décor—all while helping our neighbors afflicted with breast cancer.” Tippet also notes the popularity of the event, which crowns a month-long effort to raise breast cancer awareness. “October is our month,” he asserts, adding that fifteen of the twenty-some Tea tables sold out immediately when offered.

Tickets are $55.00 and are available online or by calling the Circle of Hope office. For an additional $25.00 donation, guests purchasing tickets in advance will receive title sponsor Brighton Collectible’s 2013 “Power of Pink” bracelet at the event. Quantities are limited.

As always, 100 percent of the proceeds from the Tea and all Circle of Hope events remain in the Santa Clarita Valley.

For more information or to order tickets, visit http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/events/tea or call (661) 254-5218.