"Mt. Hope gives over $1 million in charitable care every year, a feat made possible by the great amount of support from our local community," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement for Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community.

You can help support that mission by attending a Fall Benefit Banquet. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 N. Penryn Road, Manheim. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and a catered meal will be served at 5:30 p.m.

The menu will feature homemade oven-baked bacon-wrapped pork loin stuffed with savory apple sausage, pork gravy, gourmet cheese potatoes, sweet and sour saucy green beans, tossed salad, homemade soft dinner rolls with butter, desserts and drinks.

Following the free meal, an inspirational program will take place with guest speakers, personal sharing and music. Silent and live auctions of themed baskets will include homemade pies, cakes and breads; donated items from local businesses and individuals such as Koser Jewelers; experiences; gift cards to local attractions and retail stores; and passes to events, local entertainment and popular spots such as local golf courses, snow tubing and Sight & Sound Theatres.

"The mission and future vision of Mt. Hope will be shared, and attendees will also hear personal stories of how Mt. Hope touched people's lives when they needed answers and provided a way to help families in need," Wilson remarked. "Mt. Hope continues to be an inviting and welcoming place for everyone who needs our services. We are continuing strong in our founding mission to provide affordable, quality care in a Christian environment, serving the least of these, regardless of someone's resources or ever-changing financial circumstances."

Mt. Hope is largely supported by Medicaid state assistance, Wilson shared, noting that a large gap exists in what the state reimburses long-term care facilities and the actual cost of nursing care. "Raising funds to assist in helping residents who are not able to afford the cost of their care or benevolent care is a growing need," she said.

This is the second year for the banquet fundraiser, which is the largest giving opportunity for the community to support the work of Mt. Hope. "We are striving to exceed our goal of $50,000, which is what was so generously shared last year," Wilson said. "People attending the banquet will be truly amazed at everything Mt. Hope accomplished over the past few years. We have some exciting news about our future next steps as we begin the planning process of looking towards additional renovations and upgrades."

To reserve individual, couple or group seating at the banquet, contact Wilson at 717-682-8026 or advancement@mthopenazarene.org. There is also an opportunity to be an event or table sponsor for a fee. The banquet reservation deadline is Friday, Sept. 15. The benefit meal is free; however, attendees at the banquet will have an opportunity to financially support the ongoing work of Mt. Hope as well as a suggested donation to support the cost of the banquet.

For more information about Mt. Hope, visit http://www.mthopenazarene.org.