Take a culinary journey around the world and help to support a local nonprofit at the same time. Taste of the Nations, a cultural culinary experience to benefit Hope Within Ministries Community Health, Counseling and Dental Center, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Stone Gables Estate at The Star Barn, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. It will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

"This is a great opportunity to sample different dishes from all over the world under one roof for a reasonable admission price," shared Laurie Reichert, director of development for Hope Within. Attendees will enjoy food samples from 10 countries, including Thailand, Ukraine, Kenya, Ethiopia and Afghanistan.

"Guests will visit each food table - each representing a country - to sample a food item native to that respective country," Reichert said. "There will also be a charcuterie board, dessert table and silent auction."

Items up for bid will include something for everyone, she said.

"Silent auction (items will) include curated groupings of items for all tastes and budgets, including but not limited to international items like Ukrainian pysanky (batik-style eggs), hand-carved wooden items from Africa and blue and white ceramics from Holland, as well as Amish art, handicrafts and sports memorabilia," she commented.

Volunteers will prepare and serve the food, she said, noting that some are former patients who received services from Hope Within.

"They are showing their appreciation by preparing dishes from their native countries, such as Ukraine," she explained. "Other volunteers were missionaries in the countries for which they are preparing and serving sample dishes, such as Kenya and Thailand."

Hope Within Ministries serves low-income residents of Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin counties with free primary health care services.

"We offer dental services by donation and low-cost, sliding scale counseling services to the general public," Reichert said. "Hope Within Ministries is solely supported by donations through business and church partnerships, individuals and fundraising efforts."

In the past, the organization held an Ethiopian dinner as an annual fundraiser, but this year, organizers decided to branch out to feature additional countries.

"This event is to acknowledge the various countries from which Hope Within has derived its patient base in addition to residents of Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin counties," Reichert said. "Proceeds provide funding for operations of Hope Within's Community Health, Dental and Counseling Center. Some supplies, particularly disposable dental supplies, are expensive to purchase."

She emphasized gratitude for the support of several people and organizations who are making the event possible, including Abel & Son Roofing & Siding; Duane L. Miller, Financial Advisor; Enders Insurance; Jon's Tax Service; Sharp Shopper Grocery Outlet; and WitsEnd Home Works.

There is a discount to purchase tickets before Tuesday, Sept. 30. Tickets will also be available at the door if the event is not sold out. There are separate prices for adults and for children age 12 and under. For more information, visit https://hopewithin.org/events.