The Women's Association for the Austin Symphony Orchestra (WAASO) sipped tea around theme-decorated tables for a cause on Tuesday.

The group, which has been around for nearly 46 years, works on two major fund-raisers every year to raise money for the city's symphony.

"It is a big event that people look forward to every year. Some people make a day of it, " said Renee Accurso, a three-year member of the club.

An average of 250 to 300 people will attend the tea/luncheon in the two days. The members of the group meet once a month to organize the events. They look for performers, menu options, and visit local businesses for donations used for door prices.

Besides the food, the company and the music, the tables tend to receive center stage and the most attention every year.

This year, 14 themes from "American Girls" decorated with the classic dolls, to a "lazy afternoon in the ocean," decorated with an array of beach items covered the second floor of the country club.

Participating members decorate their own table and a sponsoring business may also contribute, if interested.

"Some people start planning and looking for ideas well in advance," said Accurso, who decorated two of the tables. The price to attend the tea/luncheon is $35.

It is mostly women who attend the tea, Accurso pointed out. But for the second major event of the group, couples are the main guests.

The ball, which is in the evening of April 12, costs $100 per couple.

All profits made from the luncheon and the ball go to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Earlier this week, the group handed over a check of last's years donation of $8,500. The year prior to that, the group donated $10,000.

"This is an amazing event. The ladies always go out of their way to make this a marvelous event," said Steve Ramsey, music director of the symphony.

In his eighth year as the director and attending the event, Ramsey said the symphony is very appreciative of what WAASO does for the symphony. Donation made by WAASO each year total 10 percent of the symphony's budget. Ramsey said the money covers expenses such as mileage, rehearsal space, sound, performance space and small fees paid to the musicians.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is composed of about 145 members including vocalists, a children's choir and musicians.

The group first started around the time the symphony was formed. It was mostly made up of the wives of the musicians and musicians who wanted to support the symphony.

"It is a fun group made up of women who have a great influence in the community," Ramsey said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com