INA, Ill. (February 24, 2026) — The Rend Lake College Foundation hosted its annual Wilma Guy High Tea event on Tuesday, February 10, at the RLC Event Center.
This year, the theme for the High Tea was the Kentucky Derby, complete with a room full of fabulous hats. Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services, hosted the afternoon and drew a parallel between the famous race and the educational journeys of RLC students.
Cathy DeJarnette welcomes the guests to the High Tea.
"If you’ve ever watched the Derby, you know it’s never just about the horse on the track," said DeJarnette. "It’s about the trainers, the caretakers, the community, and the people cheering from the stands. Likewise, the success of our students is shaped by a whole network of people—faculty, staff, mentors, neighbors, and friends from across our community."
The event is named after the late Wilma Guy who passed away February 21, 2022, at the age of 97. She bestowed an endowment of $740,000 to the RLC Foundation, creating the Charles and Maude Guy Family Scholarship that will honor her parents in perpetuity.
The event was a community effort, featuring several standout contributions that brought the theme to life:
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The Republic of Tea graciously donated the tea selection for the tables, which included a special Bridgerton-inspired "Sophie & Benedict" blend for guests to enjoy.
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Members of the RLC Executive Leadership Team who donned jockey hats to serve tea and kept the event running smoothly.
- RLC’s culinary students, guided by Chef Jeff Fairbanks and Chef Daniel Brock, prepared a delicious display of sandwiches and treats.
The event was highlighted by special guest Christen Drew, the visionary behind Benton’s beloved Café Bloom. Drew and her family have long been supporters of the RLC Foundation. She captivated the audience by sharing her personal flair as a Kentucky Derby enthusiast, delivering an engaging presentation on the rich history and vibrant culture of the 'Run for the Roses.'
Christen Drew shares with the women at the High Tea the culture and history of the Kentucky Derby hats.
DeJarnette closed the event by reminding attendees of the power of community support and the bravery it takes for students to pursue their education.
"The Kentucky Derby is a reminder that every great finish begins with the courage to start," said DeJarnette. "That’s what we see every day at Rend Lake College — students taking that first courageous step toward a better future."
RLC would like to thank the Foundation team, the Culinary Arts department, The Republic of Tea, Christen Drew, and all the attendees who helped make this event amazing.
