We want Cornerstone to start a positive transformation in kids' lives and then that has a ripple effect of positive transformation in our community," said Jim Bush, executive director. You can help promote that transformation by attending Cornerstone's annual banquet presented by Brown Plus.

The banquet will be held on Thursday, March 21, at Mount Calvary Christian School, 629 Holly St., Elizabethtown. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the banquet will begin at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature a catered meal prepared by The Spot Hometown Deli, including ham, macaroni and cheese, soup, salad and desserts. A silent auction will include a wide variety of items, such as signed sports memorabilia, gift baskets, artwork and tickets to local attractions, including Sight & Sound Theatres and Dutch Wonderland.

"Last year, we did a live auction of student-produced artwork for the first time, and it was such a big hit, we're bringing that back this year," Bush stated. Art created by students in Cornerstone's Monday Clubs will be featured.

State Rep. Tom Jones will give a brief talk at the banquet about the impact of Cornerstone on the community.

The banquet keynote speaker will be Eleanor Isaacson. Isaacson lived in Germany at the beginning of World War II. Separated from her parents at the age of 2, she experienced the horrors of the Nazi regime and the war before arriving in the United States alone in 1948 at age 13. She has written several books, and she was a competitive ballroom dancer. Now a motivational speaker, Isaacson will talk about the role of places like Cornerstone in the community.

"For our banquet, she will focus on the importance of youth to have a safe place to go to discover their God-given talents, abilities and purpose," Bush said.

He noted that Isaacson is a dynamic speaker, adding that a board member suggested her for the banquet after attending a previous event where Isaacson spoke. "From what I hear, she is a spitfire," Bush said with a laugh.

Isaacson will display World War II memorabilia at the banquet and will have copies of her books for sale.

The banquet is Cornerstone's biggest fundraiser each year. Last year, proceeds went to transforming a space into a coffeehouse in the building and hiring a coordinator of girls' programming and communication. Jenn Gibson came on board in that role in September.

"This year, we'd like to update The Mix, which is our large mixed-use room," Bush said, noting that proceeds will also be used to continue building upgrades.

Cornerstone provides programming for students in grades six through 12, along with a free meal during programs. Rising costs and increased enrollment have prompted additional fundraising needs.

"Since the school year started, our middle school program has grown over 400%," he shared.

Bush encourages people to attend the banquet, adding, "They'll be coming to support positive transformation that begins with the kids in our community. When the kids have a positive influence, our community as a whole is going to be better."

Reservations are required for the banquet, and there is a fee for tickets. Tickets are available at http://www.cornerstoneetown.org and may be purchased up until the day of the event as space allows. Cornerstone is still accepting corporate sponsors for the banquet, and interested parties may contact Bush at 717-367-0000.