You're invited to a fall benefit banquet for Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 N. Penryn Road. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and a catered meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. The meal will be prepared by Peters' BBQ of Manheim, The Country Store of Mount Joy and Amy's Mixing Bowl of Manheim. The menu will feature homemade oven-baked stuffed chicken breasts with a mashed potato filling, chicken gravy, gourmet cheese potatoes, sweet and sour saucy green beans with bacon, salad, homemade soft dinner rolls with butter, and assorted desserts and drinks.

Following the meal, a program will take place with guest speakers, personal sharing and special music. This year, a new banquet feature will be themed baskets and experiences to bid on. Basket themes will include Paws & Claws - Pet Lovers Basket, Italian Amore Basket, Sweet Treats & Sugar Baked Basket, PA Dutch Basket, Spanish Fiesta Basket, Hunter's Necessity Basket, Spa Basket, Outdoors Basket and Coffee Lovers Basket. Larger items will include a new wood-burning outdoor fire pit, passes to local entertainment venues and attractions and a sterling silver Charles Krypell pearl filigree bead necklace. Additionally, the fundraiser will include an option to bid on catered meals that will be offered in homes of those with a personal connection to Mt. Hope.

Proceeds from the banquet will help Mt. Hope continue providing care to seniors regardless of their ability to pay. "The mission of Mt. Hope will be shared, and attendees will also hear personal stories of how Mt. Hope touched people's lives when they needed answers and provided a way to help families in need," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement, noting that the banquet will mark the first time a large group of Mt. Hope supporters has been together in person since June of 2019. "People attending the banquet will be simply amazed at everything Mt. Hope accomplished since the summer of 2019," she stated. "I love the stories, and by sharing our stories, you realize you are not alone on the pathways of life, and you can see how unique and what a special niche Mt. Hope fills in our area."

Located in Manheim, Mt. Hope provides skilled nursing and rehabilitative care in a 50-bed facility for lower-income seniors and people with disabilities. "Mt. Hope gives over $1 million in charitable care every year, a feat made possible by the great amount of support from our local community," Wilson noted. "Raising funds to assist in helping residents who are not able to afford the cost of their care or benevolent care is a growing need."

To make a reservation for the banquet, contact Wilson at 717-682-8026 or email advancement@mthopenazarene.org. Opportunities for event or table sponsorships are available for a donation. The cost to attend the banquet is free for individuals, with the opportunity to contribute financially at the event. The deadline to make reservations is Saturday, Oct. 15.