Teddy Bear Tea - Reading on the Rise

A tea party and play benefiting the Reading on the Rise program

Join us this Christmas season for a family-friendly holiday experience featuring an original Christmas play, "Mrs. Claus and the Perfect Present."

Saturday, December 12th, 2026 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Saturday, December 12th, 2026 - 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 13th, 2026 - 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM


Families will enjoy holiday entertainment, food, Christmas teas for adults, hot cocoa for children, and special gifts for the kids.

Tickets are $25 per person for adults and children.

100% of event proceeds will benefit Reading on the Rise, a new program within the STEM Lab at FISTA Innovation Park, scheduled to launch in summer 2027. The program will create new educational and reading opportunities for children in our community.

Event Highlights:

Live Performance

Live Performance

Live performance of the original Christmas play, "Mrs. Claus and the Perfect Gift."

Adult Festive Plate

Adult Festive Plate

Adults receive a specially prepared food plate and a choice of three Christmas teas.

Kids' Cocoa & Gifts

Kids' Cocoa & Gifts

Children receive a kid-friendly food plate, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and two commemorative gifts.

Shareable Christmas Treats

Shareable Christmas Treats

Tables of eight will have a large, shareable assortment of Christmas treats.

Family-Style Seating

Family-Style Seating

Families can sit together, with remaining seats potentially shared with other guests.

Reading on the Rise - Building Readers Into Leaders

The FISTA Foundation's new program, Reading on the Rise, is scheduled to launch in spring 2027.

Designed for young people ages 5-18, the program aims to strengthen both reading proficiency and leadership skills. Participants will engage in an interactive, stimulating environment that opens doors to knowledge through innovative educational approaches.

The program includes:

  • Reading Development: Helping students strengthen their reading skills and integrate meaningful reading practices into everyday life.
  • Scholarship & Tutoring Initiative: Teachers can nominate students who may benefit from additional reading support. Once nominated, students will receive a dedicated personal tutor to address their individual reading needs.
  • Leadership Program: Accomplished community leaders will visit local schools to read with students and share the experiences that helped them achieve success.
  • Student Inspiration: At the middle and high school levels, the goal is to encourage students to strive for excellence and understand the opportunities that dedication and hard work can create.

Reading on the Rise is designed to inspire hope, encourage the next generation, and create lasting educational opportunities for children in our community.

100% of the proceeds from Teddy Bear Tea will benefit Reading on the Rise.

For More Information:
Heather Rogers 760-994-3020

Event Details

Saturday, December 12th, 2026

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Saturday, December 12th, 2026

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 13th, 2026

3:00 PM to 4:30 PM