Your passport won't be checked at the door, but your taste buds will travel the world. From Ethiopian specialties to Caribbean flavors, Taste of the Nations will bring the cuisines of more than 10 countries together under one roof while raising funds for Hope Within Ministries. The annual benefit for the nonprofit will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, 996 E. High St.

Although the event is a few months away, people are encouraged to purchase tickets soon, said Laurie Reichert, director of development for Hope Within.

"Admission is on sale now and available through (Wednesday,) Sept. 30, or until sold out," she said. "Last year, this event sold out, so purchase admission now."

The event will feature an international culinary experience, with proceeds benefiting the organization located in Elizabethtown.

"Guests will visit each food table - each representing a country - to sample a food item native to that respective country. There will also be some American food and a dessert table," Reichert shared. "We had 10 countries represented last year. This year we have a lot of those returning and have added additional food tables, including Canada, Caribbean and Philippines." Other countries that will be represented include Ethiopia, Afghanistan, China, Thailand, India, Ukraine and Russia.

Along with food, a silent auction will feature curated items from around the world.

Taste of the Nations offers a way for the organization to spotlight its services and the people it serves.

"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. "This event acknowledges and pays tribute to the diversity of the patients we serve in our community."

Diane Wolf, executive director of Hope Within Ministries, added, "This event also helps people understand who Hope Within is and the resources available to our community."

Hope Within Ministries serves low-income, uninsured 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."

Proceeds from Taste of the Nations will be used to offset the organization's operational costs.

"Some supplies, particularly disposable dental supplies, are expensive to purchase, and we have to renew software subscriptions, specifically medical software programs used for our medical and dental services," Reichert explained.

Adding authenticity to the event, volunteers will prepare and serve the food at Taste of the Nations.

"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," Reichert said. "Other volunteers were missionaries in the countries for which they are preparing and serving sample dishes, such as Thailand."

She emphasized that the fundraiser would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including Coram Deo Advisors, Enders Insurance, Highmark Penn State Health, Jon's Tax Service, Sharp Shopper, The Hess Agency, Waste Hauler Support Services and WitsEnd Home Works.

Reichert said Taste of the Nations promises to be a fun and flavorful night out.

"This is a great opportunity to sample different dishes from all over the world under one roof for a reasonable admission price," she said, noting that there is a discount for purchasing tickets prior to Sunday, Aug. 30, and a discount for purchasing six or more admissions. To purchase tickets, visit https://hopewithin.org/events.

Hope Within Ministries is currently recruiting additional countries and food preparers for Taste of the Nations. Anyone who is interested in participating may contact Reichert at laurie.reichert@hopewithin.org.