According to Meghan Ervine, director of marketing and communications for CrossNet Ministries, the organization provides the setting for the annual Summer Nights Dinner and Auction fundraiser, and attendees put their personal touches on the evening. "Our goal is to make it a relaxing and fun event where you are with community, eating good and fun food, and listening to good music," explained Ervine, who added that while tables will be set up by CrossNet, many who attend like to bring outdoor furniture from home. "People bring tablecloths and flowers and make it their own," she stated.

CrossNet executive director Carl Edwards said he looks forward to an evening of ease in a beautiful outdoor setting. "The Summer Nights Dinner and Auction is one of my favorite events of the year," he said. "It's a casual event under the stars where guests are able to enjoy great food, great conversation, and support the ongoing mission of CrossNet Ministries."

The third annual Summer Nights Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., in Parking Lot 9 of Garden Spot Village (GSV), 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Parking will open at 5:30 p.m. Dress is casual. Unlimited food, live music, and a live auction will be hallmarks of the event. Lawn games such as Connect Four, a giant Jenga, and cornhole will be available for attendees to play. There is a per person cost to attend the dinner, which may be changed in the case of inclement weather.

A focus on tasty food items will be a feature of this year's Summer Nights event. "We will have nine food stands," said Ervine, who pointed out that is an increase from previous events. Seven stands will be devoted to dinner items, and they will include a smash burger stand, a country-fried chicken Caesar salad stand, a topped taters stand, a pulled beef taco stand, a wheel house pasta stand offering Parmesan cheese for pasta Alfredo, and a grilled street corn stand. Two dessert stands will feature ice cream and gelato and Lancaster fried mini whoopie pies. Beverages will include lemonade, iced tea, water, and - new this year - iced coffee from Twin Valley Coffee. "Garden Spot Village does an amazing job catering," commented Ervine.

Both Edwards and Ervine will provide updates on the ministry during the event. Ervine will discuss the mission and vision of the ministry, and Edwards will talk about the warehouse at 110 W. Franklin St. that is in the process of being remodeled into offices, a market, and more for the ministry. Renovations to the property began in September 2024 and are scheduled to be completed by the end of August, with move-in projected for September.

"You hear CrossNet updates, but then you end with a live auction, which is super fun," said Ervine of the bidding for donated items that will conclude the event. This year, 15 to 20 live auction items will be up for bids, with Patrick Morgan once again donating his services as auctioneer. An Outer Banks vacation in a bungalow near the beach and a Chesapeake Bay house vacation will be among the experiences to be auctioned off. A Plum Perfect Photography package and a Breeo Fire Pit package, featuring an adjustable grill in a case, will also go up for bids, as will a premium car detailing package and two tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game. Door prizes, which include new items donated by local merchants, will be given away throughout the event. "We are hoping to raise $25,000 with the live auction," noted Ervine.

Edwards pointed out that the Summer Nights event offers a unique experience with its outdoor setting and variety of activities. "Attendees can look forward to a relaxing atmosphere, live music, and a variety of auction items," he said.

Readers who would like to purchase tickets to the event may visit http://www.elancocross.org, call 717-355-2454, or email office@elancocross.org by Friday, Aug. 15.

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