Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 30, and share food and fellowship at Mt. Hope Nazarene Retirement Community.

The nonprofit invites the public to a Gather & Grill Summer Barbecue Picnic from 4 to 7 p.m. on the campus, 3026 Mt. Hope Home Road, Manheim.

The Gather & Grill catered meal will include charcoal fire-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, creamy homestyle baked macaroni and cheese, savory baked beans and fudgy brownies. Guests can make their own brownie sundaes with vanilla, black raspberry or twist soft-serve ice cream, complete with assorted toppings. A variety of drinks will be provided.

Along with the meal, the festivities will include yard games, activities for children and prizes for kids of all ages.

During the picnic, Mt. Hope will celebrate its 57th birthday, which is on Tuesday, June 2.

"Information will be shared about LOVEMTHOPE Day, which occurs on June 2," explained Kris Wilson, director of advancement. "This day is an opportunity for you to show your love and support for the high-quality, five-star-rated care provided by our team every day. On June 2, you are invited to participate in a special birthday giving celebration for Mt. Hope, where several anonymous donors have pledged to match dollar-for-dollar up to $12,500 raised during this 24-hour LOVEMTHOPE Giving Day."

Wilson encourages people to attend the barbecue and support the ongoing work and ministry of Mt. Hope. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit benevolent care at the home and the ongoing needs of its residents.

The day will also celebrate the completion of new independent living cottages on the campus.

"The addition of these cottages reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to serving seniors and individuals with disabilities, many of whom live on limited or fixed incomes," Wilson explained.

Located in Rapho Township, Mt. Hope is home to 50 nursing care residents who rely on the facility for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, as well as those residing in the six current independent suite-style, first-floor-living apartments.

"It was one year ago during the summer picnic that we celebrated the beginning of our new cottage building endeavor with a special groundbreaking ceremony," Wilson said. "It feels fitting to celebrate the completion of the independent living cottages at this year's summer picnic. We are excited to welcome four new families who will be able to move into the newly completed cottages in May."

The construction of two new independent living duplex cottages adds four first-floor, suite-style apartments to Mt. Hope. These cottages will increase Mt. Hope's revenue, ultimately helping to support the nursing home's mission, Wilson said.

"Most of our residents do not have the financial resources or the broader supportive network to cover the cost of their care - 80% of our residents cannot afford to pay for their nursing care," she said. "Therefore, the primary source of funding for Mt. Hope is Medicaid, the state assistance program."

She explained that a gap of almost $200 per day per resident exists between what the state reimburses and the actual cost of care for residents on state assistance.

"This Medicaid funding gap makes it increasingly difficult for Mt. Hope to absorb the costs of providing benevolent care without seeking other alternatives to offset rising expenses and continuing our creative fundraising initiatives," Wilson said. "Mt. Hope has always aimed to be good stewards of its resources, managing them conservatively. For over 57 years, Mt. Hope has been dedicated to providing charitable care to those in need. We have built a great reputation in the local community for offering excellent, affordable care in a friendly, familylike environment, thanks to our wonderful and loving staff."

She thanked the donors, families and organizations that have partnered with Mt. Hope to make the vision for the cottages a reality and to ensure that financial concerns are not a barrier to receiving care.

"Your contributions help us continue to shine God's light," she said. "We are so grateful for the generous gifts that bless Mt. Hope. Thank you for caring about our residents and their homes."

The Gather & Grill Summer Barbecue Picnic will be held rain or shine. Seating will be available under a large tent, but people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. There is a suggested donation per meal for the event, and reservations are requested by Saturday, May 23. To reserve a meal, email Wilson at advancement@mthopenazarene.org or call 717-682-8026.

To learn more about donating to Mt. Hope, visit https://mthopenazarene.org.