Once upon a time, CrossNet Ministries held an annual gala in the gardens at Garden Spot Village (GSV). Then, when COVID-19 restrictions arose, organizers switched to an appropriately socially distanced drive-in event, also held at GSV.

Last summer, a new fundraiser was born. "(2023) was the first year for the Summer Nights Dinner and Auction," said Carl Edwards, director of development and ministries with CrossNet. "It's like a hybrid," explained Edwards. "We melted together everything we liked from the others into an informal, casual (event) that has a tailgate feel." According to Edwards, guests park in a grass lot at GSV. Attendees bring their own small tables and folding chairs and listen to a live band while enjoying a variety of foods.

This year's Summer Nights Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. Parking at lot number nine at GSV, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The ticketed event will feature a diverse menu served from individual tents to give the gathering a "festival" feel. Among the offerings will be smash burgers, sweet potato and black bean tacos, watermelon feta salad, BLT lettuce wraps, an al pastor skewer, Nashville chicken egg rolls, and peanut butter and jelly strudel.

According to Edwards, the live auction is a large part of the fundraiser. "We have a great list of 15 to 20 live auction items," said Edwards, who noted a number of experiences are among the items that will be going up for bid. "We have two tickets to an Eagles home game, hot air balloon rides, and our top experience is an Outer Banks vacation," noted Edwards, who pointed out that a meat box gift subscription from Stoltzfus Meats will be available again this year. Edwards said that the three-month subscription features a variety of meats including breakfast, grilling, and snack items. Meghan Ervine, director of marketing and communications for CrossNet, added that a Bevanda cooler made by a local company will be auctioned as well. Patrick Morgan will donate his time to serve as auctioneer. In addition to the auction, door prizes, consisting of new items donated by local merchants, will be given away.

Edwards and Meredith Dahl, CrossNet executive director, will give a brief presentation about the ministry during the event.

Both Ervine and Edwards pointed out that the food at the event was a big hit last year. "It's such a fun evening," said Ervine. "On one of the last nights of summer, why not be there with your community and have a great time?"

Edwards agreed, adding, "It's so much fun to have before the chaos and hustle and bustle of school starting."

Readers who would like to purchase tickets to the event may visit http://www.elancocross.org by Friday, Aug. 16.