It's broadening horizons. It's seeking to reach more people. It's attempting to do a greater good.

Blessings of Hope (BOH) is expanding its mission.

The local nonprofit's upcoming car show represents the next step in BOH's continuing evolution. Because it believes what it does is important, BOH seeks to share its purpose with everyone it can reach.

"We're here to serve the community," said Darek Raguza, who's been BOH's director of development since October of 2023. "We're doing events to get people educated and energized about the mission. We want to make connections and spread the word about what we do."

BOH will conduct its inaugural car show on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stormers' stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. The day's festivities will begin with vehicle registration at 9 a.m., and prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m.

The event is open to the public, and no fee will be charged for admission.

"This event is a fun-raiser as well as a fundraiser," said Raguza. "An event like this has a very energetic atmosphere. People will be checking out the cars, and you can see the smiles on the owners' faces when people take pictures and ask questions. For the owners, these classic cars are like their babies. They put a lot of money into keeping these cars in pristine condition. They're their pride and joys. But beyond the impressive car display, the true highlight of the day will be the spirit of community and generosity."

More than 20 vehicles, everything from vintage muscle cars to sleek, modern sports cars - even a 1924 Model T - are expected to be on hand. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including farthest driven to reach the show, best paint job and most likely to get pulled over by law enforcement.

Organizers of BOH's car show are hoping to raise $5,000. All proceeds from the event will go to the organization's Outreach Support Fund Partnership program, which empowers ministries to serve underprivileged communities by providing nutritious packed food.

"Overall, the goal is to address food discrepancies in our community and educate people about how they can help through donations and volunteering," said Raguza. "Through special events, we're trying to reach individuals who aren't familiar with the mission of Blessings of Hope."

BOH, which seeks to use excess food to battle hunger, operates facilities and warehouses in Leola, East Petersburg, the city of Lancaster and Campbellsville, Ky. The local nonprofit also introduced its inaugural golf outing at Foxchase Golf Club in May - its fifth such annual community outreach event - which raised $15,000 for its mission.

"There's a growing need," said Raguza. "There's so much food being wasted and thrown away. It's all good, fresh products that stores can't accept but we can. We distribute to those in need. Everyone thinks we're a food bank, but we're a logistics hub. We're able to receive large shipments of food products, and we break them down into smaller portions. We work with other ministries and food banks."

For additional information about Blessings of Hope, go to http://www.blessingsofhope.com.