Niagara Foundation

03/17/2026

Thank you to the Township of Schaumburg’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Committee for hosting this year’s Ramadan Iftar Dinner, and to the 200+ community members who joined to share a meal, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. A special thank you to everyone who helped shape the program, including: Saadia Abdul (DE&I Committee Member) – Opening & Welcome, Ayaan Abdul & Raahim Durrani – Ramadan Reflection & Q&A, Roosevelt Groves (DE&I Committee Chair), Demetrius Gibson (Township of Schaumburg Board of Trustees), State Rep. Michelle Mussman, Naomi Leilani (Statewide Manager for Asian American Diversity & Inclusion). We’re grateful to have supported this meaningful evening alongside TASC (Turkish American Society of Chicago).

We’re also grateful to the volunteers, sponsors, and local restaurants/businesses who supported the evening. It was a meaningful night of unity, reflection, breaking the fast together, and community conversation.

03/17/2026

Thank you to Viator House of Hospitality for hosting such a beautiful and welcoming iftar at the Viatorian Province Center. We were grateful to contribute to the evening and to be part of a gathering filled with warmth and hospitality.

We were especially moved by the reflection on the story of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) finding refuge in Medina, and the reminder of the Ansar—those who opened their homes and hearts to people facing persecution. The message was clear and powerful: we all have the opportunity to be “today’s Ansar” by offering support, dignity, and belonging to those who have had to flee hardship.

We deeply appreciate Viator House’s continued commitment to walking alongside the young men who call Viator House home.

03/16/2026

03/16/2026

We gathered for our Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner at Catholic Theological Union—with 200+ civic and faith leaders, community partners, and neighbors from across Chicago.
This year’s theme was “The Role of Faith in Times of Crisis,” featuring an inspiring panel with Kathryn Mary Lohre (St. Olaf College), Karen Ross, PhD (CTU), and Tariq El Amin (Masjid al-Taqwa). We’re grateful for the meaningful conversation, the shared table, and the spirit of hospitality that makes Ramadan such a powerful time for community.
This signature program was made possible through collaboration with our partners, Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). Thank you as well to our speakers, volunteers, and everyone who joined us. We look forward to continuing this work—building opportunities for connection and mutual understanding.

12/26/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄

From all of us at Niagara Foundation, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas filled with warmth, reflection, and time with loved ones.

May this season bring light to your hearts and community, and remind us all of the power of compassion, generosity, and shared humanity.

✨ Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! ✨

— Niagara Foundation

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🍁🕊️

Today, we give thanks for the countless ways our communities come together — across traditions, cultures, and backgrounds — to build understanding, compassion, and peace.

May this day inspire gratitude in our hearts, kindness in our actions, and harmony in our shared lives.

To all our friends, partners, and supporters:
Thank you for being part of the Niagara family.
We are grateful for you today and every day.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, blessed, and meaningful Thanksgiving. 🧡

11/13/2025

You’re invited to a special evening of gratitude and unity!
Please join us for the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Turkish American Society of Chicago (TASC) in Mount Prospect.
🕕 Event Time: 6:00 PM–8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
🎤 Keynote: Rev. Nannette Sawyer
🎶 Music performance included
🍽️ Traditional Thanksgiving dinner
🅿️ Free parking
💲 Free admission
Theme: Building Harmony Through Gratitude
This gathering will bring together faith leaders, friends, and partners to share stories, reflect on gratitude, and strengthen interfaith bonds.
👇 Agenda Highlights:
• 5:30 PM – Check-in & Networking
• 6:00 PM – Welcoming
• 6:30 PM – Speakers
• 7:00 PM – Dinner & Table Conversations
• 8:00 PM – Music Performance
👉 RSVP Required — Registration Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interfaith-thanksgiving-dinner-tickets-1811032399659?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you register but can no longer attend, please notify us so we may offer your seat to others.
Note: If you believe a younger child would meaningfully benefit from attending, please include that request in your RSVP.
We look forward to sharing this beautiful evening with you!

10/23/2025

Remembering the Teacher | In Memory of Niagara Foundation’s Honorary President, Fethullah Gülen (Hocaefendi)

On the first anniversary of his passing, we reverently remember Fethullah Gülen, known to many hearts as Hocaefendi, a beloved teacher, and his lifelong devotion to education, service, compassion, and interfaith dialogue.

Today we’re sharing a short video, “Remembering the Teacher – Fethullah Gülen,” a warm reflection on a life lived for others.

He taught that real happiness grows from serving others, seeking understanding, and practicing quiet humility. He inspired countless hearts to live not for themselves but for others. His legacy remains a light, moving us to learn, build bridges, and show kindness, especially when it isn’t easy. 🕊️🤍

May gratitude for his example continue to guide our service to humanity.

Read AfSV’s first-anniversary remembrance:
🔗 https://afsv.org/afsv-press-release-fethullah-gulen-1st-anniversary-20-october-25/

Learn more about his life and work (official site):
🔗 https://fgulen.com/en/

10/04/2025