School-year programs for students in kindergarten through ninth grade will begin at Solid Rock Youth Ministries, 34 E. State St., Quarryville, on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Information about the after-school and evening offerings is available at http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/school-programs.
Additionally, the Christian ministry has planned two fundraising events that will take place in the coming weeks. An online auction will be held from Monday, Oct. 19, to Thursday, Oct. 29. The third annual 5K and fun run has been set for Saturday, Oct. 31. Registration for the 5K must be completed by Monday, Oct. 12, to be guaranteed an event T-shirt.
Dana Nixon and her daughter, Andrea Nixon, have coordinated the auction for the last three years. Typically, live and silent auctions are held in conjunction with a ham dinner, but a sit-down meal for 200 people was not feasible with social distancing guidelines.
"We're hoping it's a good thing," Dana remarked. "We hear people do better on virtual auctions than in person." She noted that participation in an online auction is not limited to the capacity of the fellowship hall where Solid Rock's in-person auctions were held. Individuals from anywhere may place bids, as long as they are able to pick up their items at Solid Rock from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. Payment will be made at pickup, and cash and check will be preferred.
Fall and home decor, jewelry, indoor furniture, a vintage table, gardening supplies, gift certificates, and more have been donated for the auction. Union Presbyterian Church continued its tradition of contributing a hand-knotted comforter, and Wesley Church repeated its popular package of a fire pit and s'mores supplies. The Nixons will accept additional items for the auction through Friday, Oct. 9. Individuals may call Dana at 717-278-8271. A link to the bidding page will be posted at http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/online-auction.
The 5K race and fun run will have a superhero theme. Wearing costumes will not be mandatory but is encouraged, said race director Mary Price. "We wanted to do something to make it a little bit more fun," Price explained. "Who's been your hero through (everything this year)? We've heard so much about essential workers; they're heroes too."
Online registration for the 5K will close at midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Packet pickup will be held at Solid Rock from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Race-day registration will open at 7:30 a.m. A fun run for children age 12 and under will start at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m. COVID-19 safety precautions have been posted along with information about the races at http://www.solidrockquarryville.com/run. Price advises participants to register in advance instead of in person to decrease contact with others.
The 5K and fun run will be held on the Enola Low Grade Trail, beginning at the East State Street trailhead, 301 E. State St., Quarryville, and heading west into Providence Township before turning around at the halfway mark. If participants pass Providence Church, they will have gone too far. Runners and walkers with strollers are welcome. Pets are discouraged.
A virtual option is available as well.
"They can sign up and run it - or walk - at their leisure," Price said.
Price said she anticipates participation will be down from the 175 entrants averaged at the previous two 5Ks, but she is praying for a sustained financial impact. The inaugural race in 2018 generated $7,500, which had been doubled last year until an anonymous donor matched the amount for a total of $30,000. "It totally blew my mind," Price said of the unexpected gift. "Our goal this year is $15,000. We'll see what God will do."
For more information about Solid Rock, readers may visit http://www.solidrockquarryville.com, follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram, call 717-786-8007, or email solidrockyouthmin@gmail.com.
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