Fund-Raiser Planned for Habitat Project

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will host “Strawberries, Roses & Tea” on Sunday, the first of several events aimed at raising $70,000 to build a home for a low-income family in the county.

Two seatings are scheduled, 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., at City Bakery, 2358-C Main St., in Ventura. Gourmet finger foods, fruit, pastries and violin music by Phil Salazar are included in the $15 ticket price.

“We are thrilled to plan a beautiful event for a beautiful concept: building a home with a deserving family,” said Ginny Sargent, Habitat’s local board president.

The teas are the first in a series of fund-raisers scheduled before and after the mid-May groundbreaking for the “Women’s Build,” a Habitat house in Piru built solely by women from throughout Ventura County, Sargent said.

“Women working together raising $70,000, learning to build and provide shelter for others, it’s tremendously empowering,” said Betsy Quinn, a Habitat volunteer from Ventura who is coordinating the Sunday fund-raiser.

Habitat volunteers will be at both seatings to answer questions about the Piru house, future projects and volunteer opportunities.

Habitat volunteers hope to build up to 22 additional homes in the county during the next few years, Sargent said.

Tickets for Sunday’s event can be purchased at City Bakery or at the Habitat office in Oxnard at 167 Lambert St. For information, call Habitat for Humanity at 485-6065 or City Bakery at 643-0861.