"ECHOS strives to actively prevent homelessness, or at least make experiences of it brief and non-recurring," said Natalie Dixon, development director of ECHOS. To help support its mission, the organization will hold its second annual ECHOS of Hope Gala on Thursday, Sept. 22. The event will take place from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

"The evening begins with a cocktail hour and silent auction," Dixon explained. "Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and individuals, we will be auctioning off a wide variety of items." Auction items include eight vacation packages for domestic and international trips, provided by AmFund; a variety of experiences such as a charcuterie class or photography session; gift baskets; and more. Guests will be invited to enjoy the FX Photo Booth during the cocktail hour as well.

New this year, the gala will also feature a special event called Champagne & Diamonds. "We will have 100 champagne glasses available for purchase during the cocktail hour," Dixon remarked. "Ninety-nine of the glasses will hold cubic zirconia, and one will have a real diamond. A qualified jeweler will be on-hand to inspect the gems and find the lucky winner of the real diamond. The winner will be announced later in the evening and will be able to exchange their diamond for a piece of jewelry valued at $2,500 to $3,000, generously donated by Andrew Douglas Jewelers."

The evening will also include a dinner hour with a buffet catered by Food for Thought Catering, an open bar sponsored by Funk Brewing, a short program and dancing, Dixon said.

Funds raised at the gala directly support families and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the greater Elizabethtown area, which includes the northwest region of Lancaster County, she noted. "The gala's fundraising efforts help support the Elizabethtown Emergency Shelter, Enrichment Center, supportive housing programs, eviction prevention and the Crisis Response Counseling Program at the Elizabethtown Area Middle and High schools, as well as additional programs and services offered by ECHOS," Dixon commented. She noted that the gala would not be possible without the support of sponsors including Legacy Maker Sponsor Stone Gables Estate, Dream Maker Sponsor DDMP and other contributing sponsors.

"This is a unique event that is made possible by the generous and continued support from our community," Dixon stated. "This support will allow us to continue offering free services to individuals and families in our community who are directly affected by the housing crisis."

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, Sept. 9. Tickets may be purchased at https://echoslancaster.org/events/gala/ or by contacting Dixon at dixonn@echoslancaster.org.