Simple acts of kindness by a group of people in and around Manteca are making a difference in the lives of untold numbers of needy and destitute women and children in all corners of the United States, the world and California.

That is being made possible by the Women’s Ministry at the Place of Refuge in Manteca.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the group headed by director Jan Dillman, will host is 10th annual Heavenly Holiday Tea fund-raiser. Their goal this year is to raise $20,000. That money is targeted to be disbursed to the following local and global projects:

Haven of Peace Home for Women and Children in French Camp,

Manteca Pregnancy Help Center,

HOPE Family Shelter in Manteca,

Modesto Rescue Mission for Women and Children,

a kitchen for a school in Bangalore, India;

Crisis Center for Women and Children in Happy Valley in Shasta County in California;

Alpha Henson Home for Women and Children in Lincoln, Calif.;

School of Leadership Training in California; and,

It’s a New Day Center for Women in Goma, Congo.

The public has an opportunity to join the Women’s Ministry in making a difference in the world through the Heavenly Holiday Tea. They are looking for donations that will be part of the live and silent auctions, as well as raffle drawing during the tea and luncheon event. They welcome “beautiful new or like-new items” such as accessories, home décor, jewelry, china, glassware, antiques, new kitchen items, gift baskets, and gift certificates of all kinds, either from individuals or local merchants.

The event promises to be a lively and colorful kick-off to the holiday season. The venue at the Place of Refuge will be filled with holiday ambience. Visitors will be able to view “gorgeously decorated china-filled tables” as well-appointed seating arrangements where they will sit and enjoy homemade cranberry white chocolate chip scones, Devonshire cream and lemon curd, plus a delicious lunch. Tickets are $35 per person. Musical backdrop while enjoying lunch, shopping and auction bidding will be Christmas music by a group of performers.

Doors will open at 8 a.m. for viewing the auction and purchase items and the entire decoration. The program will begin at 9 a.m.

To date, this annual event hosted by the Women’s Ministry has disbursed approximately $75,000 “to projects locally and overseas that help women and children,” according to Dillman who points to scripture as the force behind their philanthropic project.

“Our motivation comes from Psalms 82:3-5. ‘Provide Justice for the needy and fatherless; uphold the right of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy.’ We consider ourselves privileged to be a part of the answer to many women and children’s prayers both here at home and around the world,” Dillman said.

For more information about Heavenly Holiday Tea, how to help, or to purchase a ticket, call 209.239.1371 ext. 225. No tickets will be sold at the door.