CrossNet Schedules Summer Fundraiser
In the summer of 2020, organizers of CrossNet Ministries' annual evening gala traditionally held in the Garden Spot Village (GSV) gardens, sought a way to hold a safe event in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The result was the first CrossNet Drive-In Dinner and Auction. CrossNet Ministries director Meredith Dahl noted that the event leant itself to the continued uncertainty with regard to the pandemic. She said, "(The drive-in) was really successful. We had such positive feedback from attendees (who) liked the casualness ... and wanted to do it again." The second Drive-In Dinner and Auction will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, at GSV, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Cars should arrive at parking lot 9 by 6 p.m.
According to Dahl, attendees can choose to stay in their vehicles or bring lawn chairs and a table to sit in front of their car. She advised those who take part to dress comfortably. As with last year, the decor of the event will be reminiscent of a drive-in movie theater. Food items will be created to treat attendees to a "Drive Across America" theme, with special appetizers, dinner, and dessert on the menu. This year, a concession stand will be included at the venue. "People can be out moving around this year," said Dahl, who noted that those who wish to remain in their car will have food delivered to them. "You can mingle if you feel comfortable," she remarked. "It's your choice."
During the meal, there will be opportunities to bid on silent auction items in an online format that will be open to the entire community. "The silent auction will open Wednesday, Aug. 25, and people who are not attending (the drive-in event) can participate," explained Dahl. The silent auction will end at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 28. A live auction for guests only will be held at the end of the drive-in event. Auction items that have been gathered include a certificate for a painting party and gift cards to the Corner Coffee Shop, Dutch-Way Farm Market, Yoder's, and Fox Meadows Creamery. Items that will be auctioned live will include a hot air balloon ride, a Garden Spot Fire Rescue ladder truck experience, an ice cream truck party by Lickity Split, and a boat ride with dinner on the Chesapeake Bay. "We have something for everybody," noted Dahl.
To keep the atmosphere lively, Downtown Sound will play a variety of music from the 1960s to the 1980s. "It's fun pop music ... Motown ... music that people know," said Dahl, who will provide a brief update on the ministry along with Carl Edwards, director of development and ministries. A video on the ministry will be shown as well.
"Every ticket comes with a gift," said Dahl, who noted that last year CrossNet lunch coolers were given away. "It's just a great night out supporting CrossNet and the community," she added.
Tickets, which will be based on two people per car with an extra charge for additional riders, may be purchased by calling 717-355-2454, visiting http://www.elancocross.org, or stopping in at CrossNet's 123 W. Franklin St., New Holland, location.
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