Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community will celebrate its 54th birthday, and you're invited to the party. The facility, which provides care for seniors and people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay, will host a "Love Mt. Hope Giving Day" on Friday, June 2, which marks the community's birthday, as well as an old-fashioned community picnic on Saturday, June 17.

"The one-day give is a chance to pay it forward, and together, we can change lives," said Kris Wilson, director of advancement at Mt. Hope. "On this one-day giving challenge, generous gifts make an impact today and for the future." Donations may be made online at https://mthopenazarene.org or by mail to the retirement community. For details on how to donate by mail, contact Wilson at advancement@mthopenazarene.org.

"We encourage people to help us reach our one-day goal of $20,000," Wilson remarked, adding that a few anonymous donors have pledged to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.

The community is also invited to the picnic, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., rain or shine, at Mt. Hope. "We are so excited to host an event on our campus again," Wilson shared. "In the past, Mt. Hope always invited the community out for a summer picnic in June and a fall harvest fest in October, but we have not been able to do an in-person event since the summer of 2019 due to limitations and regulations on nursing homes surrounding the coronavirus."

She encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the landscaped grounds of the retirement community while spending time with friends and family. "This is also a warm invitation for anyone who wants to see where we are located, hear about who we are, the work we do and relax in the rolling farming countryside of Manheim," she added.

Mt. Hope's old-fashioned summer picnic meal will include a choice of grilled burgers or chicken sandwiches, with the meat donated by Elstonville Sportsman's Association in Manheim. Other picnic meal items will include Mt. Hope's famous baked beans, chips, cookies and assorted drinks. Music will be provided at the picnic by Mark Shaw of the Lancaster County-based Celtic/Irish band Boys From Innisfree.

John Wagner, a longtime Manheim community resident and former Mt. Hope board member, described Mt. Hope as one of Lancaster County's best-kept secrets. "My mother was there for almost 27 years until she passed at the age of 104," Wagner shared. "Mother was well cared for and enjoyed the pleasant surroundings and loving staff. The meals were exceptional, and she loved it." He added that Mt. Hope prioritizes caring for those in need of financial assistance as well as physical care. "That's why their mission statement is 'to minister to the least of these,'" he said.

There is a suggested minimum donation for each picnic meal. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. The event will be held outside only, with outside restrooms available. Proceeds will support the residents of Mt. Hope. To reserve a meal, contact Wilson at advancement@mthopenazarene.org or call 717-682-8026.