Twenty-two years equals $285,000.

That’s the total amount so far that the Soroptimist International of Manteca has donated to the Teen Crisis Counseling program of the Manteca Unified School District with the club’s latest donation of $10,000 presented to the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting Tuesday night.

“That’s a lot of children we’ve helped over the years,” said Manteca Unified Director of Health Services Caroline Thibodeau who accepted the check presented by Soroptimists Arlene Sevor and Judy Abrew.

Three other Soroptimists who were present during the presentation were Sandi Rebeiro, former MUSD health services director Betty Ingell, and Marion Thibodeau who is the mother of Caroline Thibodeau.

Noting that family connection, Caroline Thibodeau commented that “Soroptimist has been a big part of my life” and that she actually started going to Soroptimist meetings when she was three years old.

The club’s donation to a very critical program being offered by the district to untold number of students is particularly helpful during these tough economic times, she said.

In her brief comment during the presentation of the donation, Sevor noted that the club’s continuing support of the Teen Crisis Counseling program is in line with the mission of the international women’s organization which is “to improve the lives of women and girls.” As part of this goal, Soroptimist International of Manteca also gives annual scholarship awards to deserving women in the area.

“Hopefully, we can continue to help the young people in our community,” Sevor said of the club’s decision to support the Teen Crisis Counseling program.

Superintendent Jason Messer and the board announced that a letter will be sent by the district to the club thanking the members for their continuing dedication to the community and their support for the district’s program for at-risk teens.

In appreciation of the club’s financial support, the district presented the Soroptimists a certificate of appreciation for their “gracious monetary contributions.” Marion Thibodeau, a long-time club member and former president, said this was the first certificate the organization has received from the district.