The Doors of Hope Transition Ministries relies on its annual fundraiser to continue its mission to change lives. The event was originally scheduled for Aug. 20 at the Powerhouse; however, after the tragic plane crash in Alabama on Aug. 14 that killed six Oxford residents, the leadership decided to cancel the event to allow Oxford time to mourn.

The committee scrambled to reschedule the event, and while they hit a few walls, this year’s Summer Bounty fundraiser was finally rescheduled for Sept. 15, albeit with some changes.

The fourth annual event will be held at 7 p.m. at The Shelter on Van Buren, instead of the Powerhouse. There is no admission fee. There will be live music and food and drinks will be available. A silent auction will be held with proceeds to benefit Doors of Hope.

Rescheduling caused changes to the original programming of the event that would have included local artists and a local pastry chef doing live demonstrations.

However, event chair Susan Bartlett remained positive the event would still be a success.

“We were unable to rebook the presenters, the emcee, and the Powerhouse in the scramble to reschedule,” she said in an email to committee members. “We came up with an alternate plan and feel that this will be a great option.”

The silent auction will help homeless and at-risk families in Oxford and Lafayette County who are working to become self-sufficient.

The event has become a popular community event and has been quite successful.

“We raised $10,000 in 2013, $20,000 in 2014 and $53,000 in 2015,” said Doors of Hope director Sherry Williams-Jenkins. “We are hoping for $55,000 or $60,000 this year.”

Items to be auctioned off include a pastry lesson for four with Chef Dwayne Ingraham; dinner for 20 by Chef Emily Blount of Saint Leo; wine-and-dine certificates from various local restaurants; artwork from several local artists; one-week vacation in Cape May, N.J.; four-night stay in the Luau condo in Sandestin, Fla.; a 45-minute historical tour of Oxford for up to four people by Flying Tuk; signed copies of books from local authors; a $200 Cat Daddy’s gift certificate; four rounds of golf from the University of Mississippi golf course and much more.

Doors of Hope provides temporary housing to struggling families for four to six months while providing assistance with budgeting and life skills. Families live in a furnished shelter unit, rent and utility free, while working and meeting with a case manager who nurtures independence and prepares them to become self-sufficient contributing members of society.

Doors of Hope Transition Ministries is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in June 2011 to help homeless and at-risk homeless families in Oxford and Lafayette County toward self-reliance and stability through a holistic, individualized approach that includes life-skills training, mentoring, and supportive housing.

For additional information and a complete list of auction items, visit www.doorsofhopeoxford.org.