It’s a $100 ticket for an evening of friendship, conversation, finger foods, and drinks.
But in reality the Holiday Affair — a 44-year-old Manteca Christmas tradition — is more than that.
It is how two people spending $100 to enjoy a festive evening can help the Manteca Soroptimists give the community gifts throughout the year.
And none may be as important — or as impactful — as the $377,000 plus the service club has given so far to the Manteca Unified School District to augment funding for crisis counseling for students.
“Awesome. Wonderful. Fulfilling. They all describe (the teen crisis counseling) funding,” noted Soroptimist President Mary Smalley.
It was 37 years ago that a cluster of teen suicides rocked the community. Four promising lives ended in a suicide pact.
The Soroptimists — a collection of business and professional women brought together by the drive to serve the community — stepped up.
They made a significant donation to help Manteca Unified secure on-campus counselors from Valley Community Counseling Services.
Support of teen crisis counseling in Manteca schools has become the club’s marquee project.
To date, they have contributed more than $377,000 to the effort. It has paid dividends in keeping teens from losing their lives when dark thoughts overwhelm them.
Other projects that have benefited from the event include Raymus House, the Boys & Girls Club of Manteca, Live Your Dream and Dream it Be It programs, and young women returning to school.
In addition, the Soroptimists last year awarded $12,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors.
The 44th annual Holiday Affair takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Stockton in the 600 block of North Main Street.
The $100 ticket admits two people and must be purchased ahead of time.
It covers all food and drink plus a chance to win numerous door prizes.
For tickets, contact Gayl Wilson at 209 483-8187 or stop by Tipton’s Stationery and Gifts at 169 W. Yosemite Avenue in downtown Manteca.
Christmas at the
Manteca Civic Center
The City of Manteca’s annual Christmas at the Center will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This promises to be an evening full of fun and holiday cheer.
The Manteca Recreation & Community Services notes on its Facebook page: “Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to witness the Tree Lighting Ceremony and hang an ornament on the tree.”
This is in reference to the tree in front of the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St. The evening will include a candy crawl, photos with Santa, food trucks & vendors, selfie stations, and snacks along with craft items.
Manteca Museum gift shop
The Manteca Museum's Holiday Gift Shop will be open every Sunday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. for the whole month of December right up to Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
There is an array of items that can be purchased for the holidays. Items range from toy gift baskets, Christmas ornaments, jewelry sets, vintage porcelain dolls, knick-knacks, decorative tins and all types of holiday decor, and much more.
As a bonus, if you become a member of the Museum, for only $15 per year, you will be able to automatically purchase items at a 10% discount for additional savings.! Any questions contact Museum President, Tommie Benavides at (209) 275-4392.
Visit with Santa toy drive
The Manteca Educators Association is hoping to make Christmas brighter for foster kids that may go without gifts this year due to family financial situations. At the same time, they want to spread holiday cheer.
It is why they are staging a Visit with Santa toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the McFall Room of the Manteca Library, 320 West Center Street.
Bring your own camera to get photos with Santa.
At the same time they are hoping you will consider bringing a new toy to benefit foster youth though Foster Love 209.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manteccabulletin.com
