Looking forward to the 10th annual Hope for Haiti Benefit Auction, organizer Kristen Hertzog said that she is consistently impressed with the inclusivity of the event. "One of the things that makes this auction unique is that it is a group effort, but not by just one church group," said Hertzog, who noted that volunteers and organizers come from a number of denominations spanning the Plain and non-Plain communities. "This is something that is unique and different, and that makes me proud to be a part of it," she said.

The 2023 Hope for Haiti Benefit Auction of Northern Lancaster County will be held on Saturday, May 20, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Hertzog Homestead Event Venue, 470 W. Metzler Road, Ephrata. Organizers have planned a day that will include live and silent auctions, children's activities, food, and tournaments.

Live and silent auction items will include sheds built by members of the Amish community, a hunting blind, handmade quilts, new sewing machines, Bevanda brand coolers, lawn and garden items, plants, collectibles, and poly weather-resistant lawn furniture. Items designated for the silent auction include thousands of dollars in gift cards to area restaurants and businesses and lots of themed gift baskets.

"Two new additions (to this year's event) are the Spikeball tournament and the cornhole tournament," said Hertzog. Organizer Nelson Martin explained Spikeball, saying, "It is a fun game that uses a small, lightweight trampoline, and (players) bat the ball." The game can be played by two or four players in a tournament-style competition.

Children will be able to enjoy pony rides, barrel train rides, and a children's activity barn. Food that will be available for purchase will include chicken barbecue, salads, sub sandwiches, toasted cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, baked goods, and homemade doughnuts.

"One hundred percent of the proceeds directly benefit education and business training in Haiti," said Hertzog, who noted that as in the past, Paradigm Shift, the education division of Transformation Haiti, which teaches leadership skills, and Hope Christian Training Library, located in Montrouis, Haiti, will benefit. In Montrouis, a town with a population of about 18,000, the library offers books in French, Creole, and English and education programs.

According to Hertzog, more than 100 volunteers take part in the festivities, which attracts upward of 1,000 visitors.

Readers who would like more information may visit http://www.hopeforhaitibenefit.auction. Individuals with questions may call 717-201-4893.