Second Annual Youth Thanksgiving Dinner Organized by the Niagara Foundation Youth Group

By Mujeeb Osman

The Niagara Foundation organized its second annual Youth Thanksgiving Dinner, focused on the theme of “Being thankful for diversity and cultivating more diversity in our lives.” Nearly 200 youths and youth coordinators gathered for the event, representing multiple faiths and traditions.

The young speakers shared their perspectives on the theme of the dinner, and Mayor of Mount Prospect Arlene Juracek delivered a keynote speech in support of the dinner and the diversity of the town.

Every detail of the event was planned and executed by the Niagara Foundation Youth Group, who began this annual dinner tradition last year. The purpose of the Thanksgiving dinner is to engage more youths in interfaith discussions and activities and to allow these youths to get to know each other better and build bridges between youths of different backgrounds through friendship.

The Niagara Foundation and Youth Thanksgiving Dinner received much positive feedback from multiple faiths who expressed interest in partnering with similar youth activities in the future. The Niagara Foundation Youth Group plans to continue coordinating interfaith youth activities, such as community service day, volunteering at the food pantry, serving food to the homeless, and visiting the elderly.