For people facing health hardships, it can be easy to get discouraged. Thanks to one Lancaster County nonprofit, hope and help are available.

Ten years ago, Carol Heth dreamed up the idea for Lancaster County Field of Hope, which raises funds for up to six beneficiaries each year to provide financial support for their medical care. Recipients of the funds must live in Lancaster County, but otherwise, the criteria for consideration are unrestricted.

Lancaster County Field of Hope will hold its annual Night of Hope event on Saturday, April 12, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia.

"This is the night we announce our six recipients for the year, and if they are able to come, they are there as well," said Heth. "We have music, food and lots of fun."

Music for the event will be provided by Josh Wolpert, who will sing and perform on acoustic guitar. Lori Burkholder of WGAL News 8 will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening, and a variety of food and beverages will be served.

"All of the food comes from local restaurants," Heth said, noting that the menu details are still being finalized.

Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to win items donated by local organizations and businesses through a silent auction.

In addition to the Night of Hope, the organization holds an annual golf tournament to raise funds, as well as a benefit dinner. The golf tournament will be held on Friday, July 18, at Crossgates Golf Club in Millersville. The dinner, which is the initial fundraising event that kicked off the formation of the nonprofit, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Heth's farm in Columbia.

When she initially took action to help people in need, Heth expected her benefit dinner to be a one-time event.

"I thought that first year would be it, but here we still are," she said. "This is our 10th year, and by the end of this year, we will help 50 recipients and families. In our nine years so far, with the 44 people we've helped, we've gifted almost $530,000."

She said the Night of Hope event typically raises between $7,000 and $8,000, and she hopes that number climbs even higher this year.

People who are interested in being a Field of Hope beneficiary may apply annually between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15. In January, the nominator gives a presentation to the board with information about each potential recipient, and the board votes.

"We support up to six individuals each year," Heth said, noting that choosing the recipients is often difficult. "We sometimes have had up to a dozen people apply for the six spots."

Other than a small amount of money kept for working capital to fund future events, all proceeds raised by Lancaster County Field of Hope's events directly benefit that year's recipients.

Heth added that costs are kept low for the Night of Hope as the use of the facility and all food, beverages and auction items are donated.

Donations are still being sought for auction items, and volunteers are always needed for the organization's events. To learn more, email lancofieldofhope@gmail.com or visit http://www.lancofieldofhope.com.

Describing the Night of Hope, Heth said, "It's just a fun night of helping others. The music is always good, the food's fantastic, and the drinks are great."

Tickets are available for the Night of Hope at https://tinyurl.com/2zys5f8y or by Venmo at @Lanco-FOH. There is a discount for purchasing tickets in advance, but tickets will also be available at the door.