Let your light shine at Illumination 2025!" said Steve Schwartz, executive director of Hope Served, describing the organization's annual banquet. "This is a fun, interactive evening where you can not only learn about Hope Served, but also taste, touch and experience the impact of Hope Served."

The event will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Kreider Farms Cultural Center at Pleasant View, 547 N. Penryn Road in Manheim.

"We are focusing on a fun, interactive reception throughout the evening, with a brief program at 7:45," Schwartz remarked. "There is no guest speaker other than individuals with disabilities sharing their stories of hope and tenacity."

Along with hearing those stories, attendees can enjoy a coffee tasting by the Hope Served Coffee roasting team.

"You can make and take a Hope Served greeting card," he shared. "Hope Served Cafe will be providing specialty drinks. There will also be a silent auction with donated items from area businesses, a photobooth, demonstrations, live music and other interactive fun. A full buffet dinner will be catered by Hearth and Harrow Restaurant."

This is the second annual Illumination event for Hope Served. The inaugural event held last year drew 150 people eager to support the work of Hope Served, a nonprofit that provides resources and services to people with disabilities.

"We hold this event to invite the broader community to learn about the work of Hope Served and hopefully get involved as volunteers, mentors, donors or prayer partners," Schwartz said. "This is our biggest fundraiser of the year."

Hope Served was founded in 2021 by Manheim resident Kelly Harnish, an adoptive mother of eight young adult children with varying abilities.

"She met many other families concerned about their children's future, so together these families formed Hope Served with a goal to work on job creation and training for individuals with disabilities," Schwartz explained. "We have our own coffee brand, roasted locally, and we operate Hope Served Cafe Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, next to Hearth and Harrow on the campus of Pleasant View Communities."

The organization's next project is the renovation of the former Manheim Mennonite Church at 201 W. High St. into a Workforce Development Center with a culinary teaching kitchen and restaurant that will be open to the public.

"We plan to develop employment and social spaces for the entire community to gather in meaningful relationships and where individuals with disabilities feel especially welcome," Schwartz commented. "We are also working on plans to assist individuals and families with their housing challenges."

He noted that the organization is excited to have Pleasant View Communities as its Presenting Sponsor for Illumination 2025 and grateful to be allowed to host the event in the new cultural center.

He hopes people will come out for an opportunity to learn more about Hope Served.

"Our event is unique because it is hands-on," he said. "Come join us for a fun, engaging and meaningful evening."

Reservations are required to attend the banquet and must be made by Friday, Sept. 12. To make a reservation, visit https://hopeserved.org/event/illum2025. For more information, contact Schwartz at steve@hopeserved.org or 717-689-7274.