Inside H.O.W.’s Intimate Palm Beach Tea for Supporters

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Following a successful 2026 luncheon, donors gather for a private afternoon of conversation, photography, and purpose.

Supporters of Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper (H.O.W.) stepped into a more personal setting this week, trading the scale of a major luncheon for an intimate afternoon tea at the Palm Beach home of acclaimed interior designer Andrea Stark.

Known for her refined, layered aesthetic, Stark’s residence set the tone for the afternoon—polished but inviting—welcoming roughly 70 donors and supporters for a gathering that felt both elevated and deeply personal.

The event marked the success of the organization’s 2026 Time Is of the Essence Luncheon, with guests coming together to reflect on its impact and the work still ahead. The mood leaned more toward meaningful connection than formal program.

Marlene Brown, Nancy Stone. H.O.W. Tea in Palm Beach at home of Andrea Stark, April 23, 2026. Photo by Capehart

At the center of the afternoon was photographer Nick Mele, whose work has long captured the essence of Palm Beach. In conversation, he offered a glimpse into his creative process, the personalities and places that inspire his lens, and the stories behind some of his most recognizable images.

A curated selection of Mele’s prints was also available, with a portion of proceeds benefiting H.O.W., seamlessly tying the afternoon’s aesthetic to its philanthropic mission.

More than a thank-you, the gathering underscored the close-knit community behind the organization—from advancing ovarian cancer research to supporting patients and expanding access to care.

The Spark: A designer’s Palm Beach home set the backdrop for an afternoon that felt equal parts polished and personal, with conversation and cause at the center.