Nate Deen to speak at CrossNet banquet

"We want to push the virtual option," said Carl Edwards, CrossNet Ministries director of development, of the annual banquet scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, at Shady Maple Banquet Center, 129 Toddy Dr., East Earl. The live event is sold out with nearly 900 guests to be seated at the event, but Edwards encourages those who are interested in hearing Nate Deen and updates on the work of the ministry to host a watch party at their home, business, or church. "Support a local restaurant by ordering dinner in that night," stated Edwards, who noted that a guest packet will be provided. "Those who are watching virtually will have all the materials and favors those at the tables (at Shady) have," he explained.

Nate, who was taken in by well-known Garden Spot High School teacher and drama club founder Stan Deen as a teenager, will share the story that inspired the film "Brave the Dark." Born Nate Busko, the New Holland native was orphaned at an early age, and he was living out of his car when he and Stan first met. For more than 30 years, Nate has been involved in photography, theater, and film, and he is the founder of the Stan Deen Foundation, which seeks to help traumatized adolescents find hope.

Edwards said the choice to have Nate speak grew out of CrossNet staff members considering the entire community when reflecting on this year's speaker. "One of our staff members sent Meredith (Dahl, CrossNet executive director) and I the 'Brave the Dark' trailer, and it clicked (that) it's the perfect time to highlight a local story," he said. "I think it will be powerful."

"We are tapping into our roots. It's really exciting how it all ties together," added Meghan Ervine, director of marketing and communications for CrossNet, who pointed out that this year's theme, "Staying the Course," harkens back to CrossNet's beginnings in the 1980s as a youth center called Cross Connection.

As in the past, Edwards will serve as master of ceremonies. "My portion is sharing who we are, what we do, ministry stories, and highlights," said Edwards, who stated that Dahl will give an update on the ministry, which will include information on the purchase and remodel of a large warehouse on the south side of Franklin Street in New Holland. According to Edwards, remodeling of the building, which will allow expansion of the ministry's offerings to the community, will begin within the next year. Video testimonies and a video focused on volunteering will also be part of the presentation.

A link to the livestream, which will begin at 7 p.m., may be purchased at http://www.elancocross.org. Readers who have questions may call 717-355-2454.