Come to the RAISE28 annual banquet, and you'll hear a tale of redemption while helping to support an organization that provides youth services in Mount Joy.

RAISE28 will host the banquet on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Junction Center, 1875 Junction Road, Manheim.

"This is our main fundraiser for the year," said Mark Unger, RAISE28 executive director. "We will be sharing about how we are impacting our community. Our theme is 'Out of the Darkness - Into the Light.' This year our keynote speaker is Nate Deen, whose life story is told in the movie 'Brave the Dark.'"

As Unger explained, Nate grew up in Lancaster County and experienced severe trauma as a child.

"As a result, he hung out with the wrong crowd and pushed people away," Unger shared. "A teacher, Stan Deen, at Garden Spot High School took him in and eventually adopted him. Nate will be speaking about who he was as a teen and how God has transformed his life."

The evening will also feature a plated dinner catered by Simply from Scratch with a menu of Caesar salad, rolls, chicken bruschetta, green beans, buttered noodles, desserts and beverages.

Along with dinner and Nate's speech, the banquet will include a time of worship, led by Victory Express.

"This fundraiser will inspire you through hearing and seeing the impact of how God is using RAISE28 in our community," Unger said, encouraging people to come to the banquet. "Nate Deen's life story is a powerful reminder how God uses everyday people to help change people's lives. In addition, the worship time will be special, and the food will be wonderful!"

Proceeds from the banquet will be used to support after-school programming and free meals for students at RAISE28. Located at 105 Fairview St., Mount Joy, the organization provides academic assistance, recreational activities, Bible lessons, martial arts, music and more for students in grades one through 12.

"Our mission is to reach local youth with the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ," Unger said.

He noted that while it is free to attend the banquet, he hopes people will give generously toward the mission of RAISE28.

"This is a fundraising event and a time to come to support our ministry," he said. "While there is no fee charged to attend, there will be an opportunity at the end for people to financially give a gift to support our ministry."

To register for the banquet, visit https://raise28.org. and click on "Events." The reservation deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 12.