Support a local nonprofit, enjoy beautiful surroundings and get some exercise all at the same time by participating in the Hope Within Ministries' Let Your Light Shine 5K Walk/Run. The event will be held on Saturday, July 19, beginning at 8 a.m. at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

"The idea came about as a means to represent what Hope Within Ministries is - a health care, dental and counseling center," said Laurie Reichert, director of development for the organization. "We promote good health, good hygiene and good mental well-being to individuals who oftentimes cannot afford to buy insurance - individuals, who, for some of them, come to us as a last resort seeking medical attention for conditions they left go for too long, until it takes a toll on their health and subsequently their mental health."

The 5K will serve two purposes, she said: raising awareness of Hope Within Ministries and asking for public support.

"We are always looking for volunteers and people to get involved in our mission," Reichert shared. "Our clinic is staffed by volunteers, both medical and non-medical. We are always recruiting volunteers so we can better meet the needs and demands of our growing patient population. There is a tremendous demand for dental services, and we could really use another volunteer dentist so we can expand services to the public. Right now, we are limited to providing dental services to our existing medical patient base."

The 5K course will take participants through the scenic property of Stone Gables Estate, which features the Star Barn. The course is a mix of uneven terrain, stone paths and uphill sections, providing a challenging route with plenty of pretty views.

"This course will take you through parts of the estate that are not open to the public," Reichert stated. "With so much greenery, there will be many photo opportunities. Walkers who do not want to walk the full 3.1-mile course will have an option to return to the Star Barn, where the race commences, via a shorter route."

Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in various age categories, and free post-race refreshments will be available for participants. Activities for children will also be featured post-race, and Mountain Mug Coffee will be available for purchase.

Reichert noted that sponsorships make the 5K possible, and she offered special thanks to Abel & Son Roofing & Siding and WitsEnd Home Works. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

All proceeds from the 5K will help support the mission and work of Hope Within Ministries.

"We provide primary health care services at no cost to residents of Lebanon, Lancaster and Dauphin counties," Reichert said. "This also includes childhood immunizations and sports physicals for youngsters. We also provide dental services by donation - cleaning, screenings, sealants, extractions, education, etc. We provide low-cost counseling to the public. ... Counselors address topics such as marriage, finances, addiction and other areas of mental health."

Hope Within Ministries, located at 4748 E. Harrisburg Pike, Elizabethtown, functions solely on donations from individuals, church partners and private and public organizations.

Early-bird entry for the Let Your Light Shine 5K, featuring discounted tickets, will end on Saturday, June 15. Tickets will be available for one rate after that date and up until the race date and for an additional fee on the day of the race. Preregistration until Saturday, July 5, will include a race T-shirt and a swag bag.

To register, visit http://www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elizabethtown/LetYourLightShine5K.

For more information on Hope Within Ministries, visit https://hopewithin.org.