THE CROWD:

It’s a fascinating experience meeting a celebrity whom you have known only through their media persona. Preconceived images and notions clash with reality.

Patricia Heaton, co-star of the long-running hit TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” came to Newport Beach to front the annual luncheon for Women of Vision, a Christian Women’s Humanitarian Outreach.

The ladies called their confab, “Faces of Courage,” held at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort. Heaton, known to audiences as the boisterous, argumentative wife of Ray Barone on the show that brought her fame, fortune and plenty of recognition, could not be further from her character in real life.

Funny, yes. Loud and obnoxious. No way. Inspirational. Big time. Heaton, known as Patty, told the audience of more than 500 supporting the cause, “God opens doors.”

Recounting her struggles to find her own path to a career she only dreamed of having, Heaton said, “Commit your way to God. Then dream big.”

At one point in her life, it seemed that there was no hope of ever having an acting career, and Heaton shared her very personal thoughts of that time. “I got down on my knees, and I prayed. I told God that I was open to whatever his plan was for me. If he wanted me to be a waitress, I would be a great waitress. I just let it all go. I left the plan in his hands.”

The afternoon with Heaton began on the bayfront lawn of The BBC. Event chair Karen Stockman worked with auction chair Beverly Peters and a committee of invaluable assistance to erect an enormous white tent to house a massive fundraising silent auction.

Wearing a tailored Barbie-pink, short-waisted blazer and white gabardine slacks, the super petite Heaton with the genuine smile mingled with the silent auction throng, posed for photos and chatted up the crowd talking about husband, actor and producer David Hunt, with whom she shares a motion picture production company named in their sons’ honor, “Four Boys Films.”

Kevin Reilly, president of the Fox Broadcasting Company Entertainment Group, was also in the crowd with his wife, who is active in Women of Vision as well. After the auction, reception guests entered The BBC ballroom for luncheon; a welcome from Betsy Tarbell, chair of the Orange County chapter, and a pre-luncheon service blessing offered by Donna Phebus. Reilly then introduced Heaton in a heartfelt tribute. And the roller-coaster ride of humor and pathos took off.

“I grew up in a Catholic family,” Heaton said. “My mother, who died when I was 12 of a brain aneurysm, came from a family of 15 children. When you entered the front door of our house, the only art on the wall was a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You knew you were in for a good time.”

As the crowd laughed, Heaton told them her life’s journey has been quite unexpected.

“I’m 50, and I’m doing yoga on the beach,” she said. “My life has turned into a Centrum Silver commercial. When it comes to marriage, well, I quote the words of Pastor Rick Warren, who tells us that marriage is a union to make you holy — not happy!”

Heaton’s religious journey has taken her from her Catholic roots to the Presbyterian Church and then to the Four Square Gospel Church. She told her audience that she was likely destined to return to Catholicism.

She said she felt abandoned by God at times, but then turned life around by realizing that there was growth, strength and wisdom in adversity. “There is no suffering just for the sake of suffering,” Heaton said. “God transforms the heartache into something heartfelt. We must learn to listen and to accept the message.”

Heaton and her husband produced the critically acclaimed film “Amazing Grace,” the story of William Wilberforce’s 20-year crusade to end slavery in the British Empire. The crowd offered a rousing ovation at the mention of the movie. Heaton accepted the applause with grace, “It’s so important to us to do work that we are proud of, work that has some meaning and humanity.”

Major support came from Susan and Sam Anderson, Nancy and Rod Daley, Patti and Jim Edwards, Trish and John O’Donnell, Beverly and Jim Peters, Judy and Dennis Sweeney, Dan and Diane Sweet, Betsy and Don Tarbell, Judith and David Threshie, Jean and Bill Wenke, and Marilyn and Dave Wooten, to name only a few.

Also supporting Women of Vision and helping to raise an estimated $450,000 in support of Christian relief programs worldwide were Suzanne and Ted Paulson, Melinda and Tony Moiso, Bobbi and Jerry Dauderman, Francesca and Sam Rehnborg, Joni Rehnborg, Judy Bergman, Marilyn McIntyre, Cory Trenda, and Lauren May.

Heaton concluded her visit with the O.C. crowd sharing her experiences working with and supporting an orphanage in Latin America. She quoted Psalm 41, “Oh the joy of those who are kind to the poor.” The Women of Vision plan to put funds raised to work in places such as Darfur and Peru as well as the poorest regions of America including Orange County.

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