Silent Auctions do very well! If you're having several tables, you might want to sell the centerpieces on each. Also, if the hospice has a gift shop or such, maybe they'd like to send a representative with some of their wares to sell. Anyone in your group that sells
anything could either donate a basket of their items or have a table to sell them. I'm thinking that Creative Memories, Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware and such would be good.
Have you ever seen a
Southern Lady magazine? There are SO many places there who might be willing to either donate an item and/or buy advertisements in a booklet. A lot of them would be tea or feminine related items - just what you want for an event such as this.
And please do a booklet! It will be something to cherish in the years to come (as this will be your Premier Tea - definitely NOT your "first annual"!) plus you can make some handsome money in advertising, when done properly. Please feel free to PM me, if you need ideas there.
There was a site listed under one of the Southern threads in Greek Life which showed places you can purchase mugs for children to decorate. If you could get enough to make a good profit on them, that sounds like a good way to keep children occupied - after they're had their tea like proper young ladies, that is!
Consider small prizes for various Mother/Daughter groups: Best Color Coordinated, Best Hats, Best Costume, Mother who traveled the furtherest, etc, etc. Or have a sticker under each cup or saucer (one or two at each table) for a prize. They don't have to be anything big - a pretty tea infuser or strainer would be delightful.
Good luck, and have fun with it!