It's our 15th anniversary, and we wanted to make it special," said Jennie Straub, executive director of Cornerstone Reproductive Health, when announcing that this year's Ladies Tea and Auction on Saturday, May 3, will take place at a new venue - the Barn at Paradise Station, 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. "We are partnering with the owners, who are supporters of the ministry. It is very elegant. The way they restored it is gorgeous."

She added that the event will also begin a half hour earlier than in previous years. Registration and auction browsing will open at 8:30 a.m., and activities will begin at 9:30 a.m.

"The lower level (of the barn) is where we will hold the auction," Straub noted. "The tea and food will be on the upper level."

All proceeds will benefit the center, formerly known as Pregnancy Resources at Cornerstone, which educates and supports women facing unplanned pregnancies. "All proceeds go directly to benefit client services," Straub said.

Menu items will include homemade scones, finger sandwiches and desserts and an assortment of teas.

A highlight of the event each year is the table decorations. "Individual hostesses volunteer to decorate a table, and they invite their friends to sit at their table," explained Straub, noting that prizes are awarded to the top tables. "There are winners for creativity and (other categories)." She added that some table hostesses bring their own teapots and cups and bake individualized treats for the guests.

In addition to the food, the fundraiser will include a live auction led by H.K. Keller. Among the items on the auction block will be tickets to Sight & Sound, Longwood Gardens and the Ark Encounter in Kentucky.

"We get donations from the community with things like gift baskets and wreaths and gift certificates to local businesses," said Straub. "We buy potted flowers and hanging plants, and we auction those off as well." She noted that some of the flowers will be given as prizes for the table decorating contest.

Cornerstone Reproductive Health is located at 5380 Lincoln Highway, Gap. The facility offers medical-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound service to confirm viable pregnancies. Appointments are free and confidential. The vision of the ministry is "to empower individuals to embrace life-honoring choices."

The agency also has a fully equipped mobile unit, which offers the same services as the clinic. Current parking locations and hours are Solid Rock Youth Center, Quarryville, Mondays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Grocery Outlet, New Holland, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; and Yoder's Country Market, New Holland, Thursdays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

"We just got approval to park at The Parkesburg POINT Youth Center on Monday mornings," Straub added.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the tea, visit www.pacornerstone.org, choose "About" and then select "Events."

Those with questions may call 717-442-3111 or email jen@pacornerstone.org.