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   HACKENSACK — A beloved community tradition and a vital local non-profit are celebrating a massive milestone together this month. On Friday, Sept. 25, Faith in Action will host its Fall Booya Dinner at the Union Church in Hackensack from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The event marks a double celebration: the 25th anniversary of the Fall Booya Dinner and 25 years of Faith in Action providing life-changing services to Cass County residents.

   Booya is a rich, hearty stew loaded with a variety of meats and vegetables, slow-cooked overnight to perfection in a giant cauldron. Paired with fresh bread, dessert and live music by Mama Wags and Boomer, the evening promises superb food and family fun. The dinner also serves as the official kickoff for Day 1 of the Hackensack Chainsaw Event, a three-day festival running Sept. 25–27 featuring wood carving, artisans, games, and activities downtown.

   While the event celebrates 25 years of success, it also comes at a critical time for the organization. For a quarter-century, Faith in Action has been a literal lifeline for older adults and neighbors living with disabilities. The organization connects residents with volunteers who provide essential neighborly assistance—including safe transportation, wheelchair-accessible van rides, homemaking, chores, friendly visiting and vital home modifications like ramp building.

   “We are incredibly grateful for the immense support our community has shown us over the past 25 years,” stated Faith in Action Executive Director Kathy Langer. “As we mark this quarter-century milestone, the Fall Booya Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, great music and delightful company, while directly helping close a critical funding gap to keep serving the neighbors who need us most.”

   Due to recent reductions in federal and state grants, Faith in Action originally faced a daunting $140,000 funding gap. Thanks to early community generosity, the organization has already made great progress, successfully reducing the deficit to $85,000.

   Area residents can help close this critical gap while enjoying a wonderful community evening. All are welcome to attend the dinner. While there are no fixed fees for the event, donations are deeply appreciated and will be accepted at the door. Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting the volunteer lifelines that keep Cass County neighbors safe, independent and living in their own homes.

   Faith in Action provides its services based strictly on need, not income, ensuring that everyone qualifies. However, to keep these programs running, community support is more vital than ever. In addition to financial donations, volunteers and drivers are urgently needed this fall and winter across all Cass County communities. Volunteers can choose how, when and how often they help, and Faith in Action provides full training, liability insurance and mileage reimbursement.

   Come celebrate 25 years of community care, great food and neighbors helping neighbors. For more information on the Booya dinner, services, or volunteer opportunities, call 218-675-5435 or visit faithinactioncass.com.

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