Friendship Community will celebrate 50 years in ministry and mission with a dinner on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Shady Maple Banquets, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl.

Guest speaker Chris Nikic will share how he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete a 140.6 Ironman. In addition to this milestone, Chris has become the face of Special Olympics and is a Guinness Book record holder, a two-time ESPY Award Winner, and a co-author of "1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too." Chris' mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals. Accompanying him will be his father, Nik Nikic, who has helped coach Chris and continues to push him to be 1% better.

Like Chris, Friendship Community encourages its individuals to reach their full potential by providing them necessary resources and support in their day-to-day lives.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.FriendshipCommunity.net/dinner or call Calista White at 717-656-2455, ext. 1155.

Friendship Community is a faith-based organization that has sought to cultivate capabilities of individuals with intellectual disability and autism in Lancaster and Lebanon counties since 1972. The organization offers an arts day program, a home-based services program, Lifesharing, and 24 residential homes serving over 150 individuals in the two counties. For more details, visit http://www.FriendshipCommunity.net or search for "Friendship Community" on Facebook and Instagram.