"We knew this would be the safest plan, and we're excited about it," said Meredith Dahl, executive director of CrossNet Ministries in New Holland, of the upcoming banquet, which will feature Scott Hamilton. The banquet will be held in a hybrid format - an in-person event at Warehouse 100 on Franklin Street, New Holland, and livestreamed to watch parties. Watch parties will include a family-style meal. Those with access to Facebook will be able to watch free.

The banquet will be held on Tuesday, March 30. Those purchasing the virtual option may pick up food at the Shady Maple Banquet Center, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl, in a drive-through format starting at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the livestream event will start via a link for those who purchased a meal or by Facebook.

Hamilton has won 70 titles, awards, and honors, and he has been inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame. He first captured the world's attention in 1984 with his Olympic gold medal performance in Sarajevo. He is the author of three books and is a figure skating commentator. Hamilton lost his mother to cancer and later became a cancer survivor himself. He responded to those challenges by launching the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. He makes his home with his wife, Tracie, and four children outside Nashville.

"Hamilton will deliver a message of encouragement and hope," said Dahl. "He will share some of his story." Dahl, who will serve as master of ceremonies with Carl Edwards, director of development and ministries with CrossNet Ministries, will take questions from Facebook viewers as well as from the floor during a question-and-answer period with Hamilton. In addition, Dahl and Edwards will introduce two videos - one depicting the changed life of a local student and the other highlighting CrossNet's housing program. Dahl noted that the organizations has recently purchased a building on Main Street in New Holland that will be used to provide housing, along with two other local facilities.

Those opting to purchase one or several takeout meals for the event will receive selections of herb baked chicken, slow-roasted tender beef, green bean almandine, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, pasta salad, rolls and butter, iced tea, coffee and water, and apple pie. Plastic plates, plasticware, and napkins will also be included, along with a small gift. Dahl noted there will be other surprises for those holding catered watch parties. "We are trying to make it as much fun as we can," said Dahl.

"Our theme is 'Togetherness,'" noted Dahl. "Even though we can't be together, we can watch and celebrate what God has done this past year together. We can't do this without the community, so there is the idea of togetherness and lives are changed."

A freewill offering is always an important part of the fundraiser. Those wishing to give will be able to do so at http://elancocross.org or by using the envelopes that will be included with the meal. Tickets or sponsorships may be purchased by Monday, March 22, at the website or by emailing office@elancocross.org or calling 717-355-2454. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CrossNet office at 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland.