The Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation will present a Spring Soiree fundraiser, featuring dinner, music and a silent auction, on Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m. at the Milton Hershey School Purcell Friendship Hall, 109 McCorkle Road, Hershey.

Those who attend the first-time event will also learn more about the foundation, founded by Dr. Rod Mortel, which established a preschool, an elementary school and a secondary school for children in Haiti and also offers literacy and vocational programs for adults. The schools have been educating children since 2000.

"In the past, we've had a Caribbean Celebration in the winter with a big party to celebrate the foundation and have lots of fun," said Cecile Mortel, events coordinator. "This one, the Spring Soiree, is our first gathering since COVID. We are excited to get back together."

The theme of the event is "An Evening Among the Stars," which is designed to honor the school staff members in Haiti, as well as the children and their families. "With the situation in the world the way it is and (the hardships) in Haiti, we have decided to have a celebration of gratitude where we're going to remember the teachers and cooking staff (and others) who are the stars in Haiti. They keep our mission going during such times," said Cecile. "(We also want to) thank our local supporters who have helped us get through the 20 years. In that sense, (the fundraiser) will be a little different."

The event will begin with a social hour and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a catered sit-down dinner. Attendees will also have an opportunity to bid on silent auction items, including gift baskets, jewelry, gift cards, wine and a designer handbag. A DJ will provide music.

"After dessert, there will be a presentation about the foundation by Denise Mortel Mitchell, our daughter, the vice president," said Cecile.

New guests are especially welcome, including those who want to learn more about the foundation. "We will have a wonderful meal and wine and (a time) for fellowship for people who have been loyal to us and anyone new," Cecile said. "We always encourage our supporters to bring new people. That personal networking is the best."

Attendees are asked to wear formal attire. "(People should wear) their Sunday best," Cecile said.

Tickets are limited and are available at https://highhopesforhaiti.org/event/spring-soiree.

For more information about the foundation, visit http://www.highhopesforhaiti.org or http://www.facebook.com/highhopesforhaiti, email info@mortelhhh.org or call 844-466-7835. A link to order tickets is also available on the Facebook page.