To raise funds for its mission of providing a safe environment for community youths, Cornerstone Youth Center will hold its annual banquet and silent auction on Friday, March 18. The event, titled "An Evening of Hope," will take place at the Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, 996 E. High St., beginning at 6 p.m.

"We are really excited to be doing a live event this year," said Laurie Shepler, director of Cornerstone, who noted that the last two years featured prepackaged meals for pickup only, paired with an online presentation. "There's something about actually meeting and greeting the people who support us that is so important. And it's a great opportunity for people to hear more about our ministry and how it's supporting our community."

An Evening of Hope will feature a sit-down meal catered by Harvey's Main Street BBQ. Dinner will include stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans, as well as pies from Pies Galore.

Cornerstone Youth Center staff and members of the board will speak about the organization's mission and future. The evening's keynote speaker will be David Nasser.

Nasser was born in Iran but came to the United States as a child. A teacher, writer and consultant, he speaks to more than 700,000 people annually about the Gospel of Christ.

"He's a really dynamic speaker," Shepler noted. "He is coming from a place of growing up in the Muslim faith, then losing everything to follow Jesus. He'll present a message of true life transformation."

The evening will also feature a silent auction of items provided by local businesses, including gift cards and gift baskets. Proceeds from the auction and donations will go toward the youth center's goal of raising $100,000 between Jan. 15 and Wednesday, March 30.

"People may see that goal and think that's a really, really big goal," said Michelle Bush, chair of the board of directors for Cornerstone. "It's about having faith, having hope and reaching kids who need to hear a message of hope particularly in the world we live in today."

Currently, Cornerstone serves about 220 children in grades five through 12. "Some kids just come for something to do, but some come because it's a safe place, sometimes safer than home," Shepler noted. "They find a sense of belonging at Cornerstone that they need."

She added that funds raised through the event will help increase programming at the center, potentially add staff members and allow the organization to continue making a difference.

"For the Christian community to see real change happen in Elizabethtown, it requires a measure of faith and hope," Bush noted. "It requires transformation, just like we'll see with our keynote speaker. What Cornerstone is doing will change the community for future generations."

Doors will reopen at 7 p.m. for additional guests who have not reserved tickets for the meal but would like to hear the speakers in the sanctuary. The banquet is free to attend, but reservations are requested. To register, visit http://www.cornerstoneetown.org/benefit-banquet or call Shepler at 717-367-0000, ext. 1.