On Friday, Feb. 20, you're invited to "Be a Piece of the Pie!" at a benefit event for Home on Ferdinand. The festivities will take place in the Junction Center's Landis Hall, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with a meal available by donation. At 7 p.m., the program will begin.

"Everyone is invited to come out for a delicious Peters' BBQ meal, including a drink and dessert, and browse the many themed baskets that will be available through a silent auction beginning at 5 p.m.," shared Kellie McAdams, house and community connections coordinator for Home on Ferdinand.

At 6:45 p.m., an orchestral quartet composed of Manheim Central High School students who are members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society will play a variety of hymns.

At 7 p.m., attendees will hear from Home on Ferdinand staff and participants, who will share how the ministry impacts the lives of women and children in the community.

The highlight of the evening will be a pie auction, featuring a variety of baked goods.

"After we celebrate and reflect on the past year, the live auction will begin and many delicious goodies will go on the auction block," McAdams said. "Most of the featured baked goods are pies, but we are adding in some fun surprises that are sure to bring out some exciting bids!"

All baked goods will be homemade items donated by Manheim community members, she said.

"We will have many timeless classics such as apple pie, pumpkin pie and chocolate cake as well as unique treats such as Concord grape pie, Key lime pie and so much more," she shared.

The benefit will also spotlight the spirit of the event's theme, "Be a Piece of the Pie!"

"We will highlight a way for everyone to be involved and support the Home on Ferdinand, even if you don't get a winning bid during the live auction," McAdams remarked.

This is the fifth annual benefit event for Home on Ferdinand. It began as a way to support the outreach of Manheim Community Life Group, the nonprofit that runs the transitional living program for women and their young children.

"Board member John Hess of Hess Auctions Group suggested the idea of a pie auction a few years back, and every year he runs the live auction portion of the program," McAdams commented. "He is a seasoned pro at getting folks excited to bid and outbid one another by giving detailed descriptions of each baked good, as these pies and goodies all have a story that goes with it that makes it extra special."

Home on Ferdinand opened in 2021, fulfilling a community need, McAdams said.

"Many people in Manheim Borough think of housing insecurity as a big-city problem in Philly or Lancaster or Harrisburg, but that's not true," she said. "Right here in the Manheim Central School District, many families are struggling to afford housing."

The ministry targets long-term solutions, coming alongside the women for support.

"Instead of trying to quickly solve the presenting problem of housing insecurity with quick fixes, we focus on how to best empower each woman who comes through our doors by modeling Christ-like love, generosity and service as well as setting them up with very practical supports," McAdams said.

Holding an event like "Be a Piece of the Pie!" requires a team of volunteers, she noted.

Volunteers include committee chair Hess, Joette Peters, Teresa Nolt, Jensen Kready, Janelle Wenger and Lyn Geib.

McAdams hopes people will come out to support the nonprofit at the benefit.

"I would encourage everyone who thinks they've seen all we have to offer already to come out and enjoy some new and exciting aspects of our event because the Manheim Community Life Group board and Home on Ferdinand staff have worked hard to keep all the best parts of past events included while incorporating fresh, new ideas as well," she said. "And, to someone who has never been, I would say you don't want to miss it because it's a fun, unique event that raises awareness about an important ministry right here in Manheim."

Above all, the evening is designed to provide an entertaining night out while also raising awareness, she said.

"Many people don't realize that Manheim Borough has this women's homeless shelter, and it's a testament to the generosity and love in this community that we do have an outreach to those in need of housing, so we want to celebrate that fact," she said. "It's a fun way to generate funds for the ministry and an enjoyable way to create a community of supporters that looks forward to coming together each year for this event."

Tickets are not required for the event, but preregistration is encouraged. To register or to learn more, visit http://www.manheimcommunitylifegroup.org or call 717-879-5105.