From now through the evening of Saturday, April 12, you can support orphaned and at-risk children without leaving your home.

Brittany's Hope, an Elizabethtown-based nonprofit that supplies adoption grants for children with special needs, will host an online auction as part of its annual fundraising event, Brittany's Ball. While the ball is sold out, the auction is open to anyone.

"There will be a huge variety of items - gift cards for outstanding and fun restaurants and adventures, spa and Botox packages, cookware and other home goods, even a 'Bluey' package, complete with a fun car!" shared Dana Myers, director of charitable giving for Brittany's Hope. "There are fabulous items. So, if you are Easter, graduation or spring shopping, check out what we have to offer. Every single dollar you spend directly supports these amazing children and allows Brittany's Hope to continue to empower dreams for children and families everywhere."

This is the 25th anniversary of Brittany's Hope, which began in memory of Brittany Ann O'Connell, who was killed in 1999 in an icy car crash on her way back to college.

"Brittany, who was adopted, always said, 'Every child deserves a home,'" Myers stated. "To honor her legacy, her family began Brittany's Hope in 2000. Brittany's Hope began by providing international adoption grants to families with the heart to adopt children with special needs - physical or mental disability, older children or sibling groups - the children who are typically overlooked in the adoption process."

Because the adoption process has changed over the years and now takes a long time to complete, the organization began providing humanitarian support for the children who are still waiting to come home.

"We partnered with orphanages, creating children's homes, so children who were not yet adopted could live, grow, learn and play in a family-like atmosphere," Myers explained. "Our Child Sponsorship program has been significant as sponsors serve as moms and dads to the children, providing support, praise and encouragement as the children meet milestones or hurdles, just as a mom and dad does. The goal is to help children break the cycle of poverty."

Over the past quarter century, the organization has seen steady success.

"Brittany's Hope has over 50 students who are now in college and achieving their dreams," Myers said. "In the past 25 years, 1,612 children with special needs have been united with their forever families. We also work in communities, providing food relief, funding for family enterprises and even funding home builds so that families can stay together - which is usually the best place for children to be."

At Brittany's Ball, attendees will hear a success story directly from a family impacted by Brittany's Hope.

Zion Redington and his mom, Heather Redington Whitlock, will talk about Zion's journey as an adoptee through a Brittany's Hope grant.

"He was born with a lack of fingers and toes," Myers remarked. "To make moving easier, he had his feet amputated. He is a member of the USA Paralympic wheelchair rugby team. We watched his team win silver in Paris, and we're excited to see the next Paralympics!"

Both Brittany's Ball and the auction would not be possible without the support of sponsors, Myers said. The presenting sponsor is Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, and other major sponsors are The North Foundation, DDMP and Abel & Son Roofing.

She added that the organization also relies on additional sponsors, donors and in-kind donors, as well as help from a committee of volunteers to host a successful fundraiser.

Myers encourages people to participate in the auction.

"As with everything Brittany's Hope does, 100% of the proceeds directly support aiding orphaned and at-risk children through adoption grants for children with special needs and humanitarian support for our partner children's homes in Vietnam, Kenya and Ethiopia," she said. "Bid early, and then when you bid, you'll get text or email notifications - if you choose - so you can keep track of the items you're interested in. Stay alert on Saturday, April 12, and make sure you're the highest bidder at 8 p.m.!"

After the auction, items may be picked up at Brittany's Hope, 1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown.

To access the auction, visit http://www.auctria.events/BrittanysBall.