Food insecurity in Elizabethtown is much bigger than anyone thinks," said Dr. Ed White of White Family Dental. "We want to do our part to come alongside other groups and other efforts and supplement what they are doing to help."

With that in mind, the dental practice launched White Out Hunger. The fundraiser will return on Saturday, Aug. 8. It will be held outside at Masonic Village, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, from 4 to 8 p.m.

"We're always trying to come up with new ideas and new ways to support the community," White said, noting that he got the idea for White Out Hunger after learning about a similar event, called Fete en Blanc, held in Lancaster. "Everybody wears white, we have music, we supply the tables and linens, and people bring their own beverages and a picnic meal. It's really a lot of fun."

Along with wearing all white, participants bring their own meal, including drinks, as well as table settings. The festivities will include live music and dancing.

As White explained, the practice held its first White Out Hunger before the pandemic.

"A lot of people didn't think it was going to work," he recalled. "But it was a huge success. We raised $50,000 and had a big turnout."

Last year marked the return of the event since the pandemic, and White is excited to continue offering a fun night out for a good cause.

All of the proceeds from White Out Hunger will support four local organizations focused on fighting food insecurity. Bear Bags of Elizabethtown provides backpacks filled with food on weekends for families who rely on school meals, as well as "open shop" events over the summer where families can select nonperishables, frozen foods and more. Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services (ECHOS) helps people experiencing housing instability with emergency shelter, case management and a new weekly hot meal program launching this summer. Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown serves hundreds of families through its food pantry and hopes to expand its services soon. Elizabethtown Area Senior Center offers daily activities, companionship and meals. It's working to expand its senior breakfast program, which has nearly doubled in participants in the past year.

"We often do not see the needs of others until we open our eyes and look for them," White said. "Each of these organizations fills a vital gap - and with your support, we can help them do even more."

White's practice is no stranger to fundraising. The office has been involved with Smiles for Life for 27 years. It's a national organization that raises funds for children's charities, with proceeds split evenly between local and national charities.

"We average $30,000 to $35,000 a year, and half of that stays local. We picked Bear Bags to receive it," White said. "We've raised about $700,000 for children's charities through this program."

Along with enjoying a bring-your-own meal, people can listen to live music from Corty Byron and Grant Bryan during White Out Hunger. Byron performs Americana, roots-driven blues and more, while Bryan is a country music artist.

White noted that White Out Hunger relies on a variety of sponsors to be successful, as well as support from the dental practice itself.

"Every single dollar we raise that night goes to the community," he said.

He hopes people will come out for White Out Hunger to enjoy fellowship and fun.

"Come be a part of the community, a part of solving this issue and helping people who don't have enough food to eat," he said. "Be part of the solution and have some fun at the same time. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones."

Tickets for White Out Hunger may be purchased by calling White Family Dental at 717-367-1336 or stopping in the office, located at 100 Continental Drive, Elizabethtown. Tickets will also be available at the door. The event is for people age 21 and older.