North Country communities continue stepping up for Abundant Life Church explosion victims

BOONVILLE- At the end of the business day on Friday, March 6, 2026, our fundraising initiative here at Flack Broadcasting to give to the five victims, who were severely injured in an explosion that obliterated Abundant Life Church on February 17, exceeded our original goals.

Thanks to the generous support and contributions of those who donated, we successfully raised nearly $38,000. The funds will be evenly distributed between the Church Pastor, Boonville's Fire Chief and three other Boonville Fire Fighters, who were all injured in the blast and face a road of recovery ahead. 

On behalf of Flack Broadcasting, we would genuinely like to thank everyone who contributed to our efforts.

With that said, thanks to the work of our Community Events coordinator, Lisa Stanford, along with others who work here at Flack Broadcasting, we have compiled a list of other community initiatives to keep the contributions flowing to the victims and their families (for our featured on-air segment for Monday, March 9, 2026, we spoke with Eric Martin, who is the spokesperson for the Boonville Elks Lodge and their upcoming benefit this Sunday, March 15. Be sure to listen here):     

An account has been established at Community Bank, called the “Medical Relief Fund.” This account will be monitored by the treasurer and disbursements made to the 5 families to assist with any expenses that may pop up related to this event.

3/14/26: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Raffles and Bowling Tournament at Boonville Lanes at 200 Post St, all proceeds for the 4 firefighters and pastor injured in the Abundant Life Fellowship Church explosion. Drawing on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

3/15/26: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Benefit at the Elks Lodge in Boonville. All proceeds for the 4 firefighters and pastor injured in the Abundant Life Fellowship Church explosion.

3/15/26: 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Raffles and Bowling Tournament at Boonville Lanes at 200 Post St, all proceeds for the 4 firefighters and pastor injured in the Abundant Life Fellowship Church explosion.

3/15/26: 12-noon - 4:00 p.m. Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Benefit Spaghetti Dinner at James Spellman Training Center, 101 Station Road Westmoreland, NY. Cost is $12 per person (cash only). Includes: Spaghetti, Meatballs, Sausage, Salad, Roll, and a Drink. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the injured firefighters and their families.

3/22/26: 10:30 am - done Benefit Pitch Tournament at the Boonville Elks Lodge to support the Boonville Firemen. Sign up is at 10:30 and games begin at 11 am. $50 per person and $1 per “up.” $250 to the winning team. All remaining proceeds go directly to the Boonville Firemen. Call or text Joe Zagurski to sign up. 315-525-6497

3/26/26: 4:30 p.m. until gone, Constableville volunteer fire company is having a prime rib sandwich dinner. $15 for sandwich and fries. Kids’ meal available for $10 with a quarter pound beef hotdog and fries. From 4:30 PM until sold out. There will also be a 50-50 and Fill the Boot. All proceeds will be donated to the Medical Relief Fund.

4/3/26: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. The Floyd Volunteer Fire Department & Ladies’ Auxiliary are hosting a Fish Fry to benefit the Boonville Volunteer Fire Company Medical Relief Fund. Choices: Fried or baked fish, fried shrimp, or lasagna. Comes with fries or baked potato and dessert. $12 for adults, $7 for children. Drive through only.

4/18/26: 12-noon until gone Saturday, April 18, the Volunteer Fire Company of Western is having a Chicken BBQ to benefit the Boonville Fire Company Medical Relief Fund. Drive Through Only. $15 for a full dinner including a half chicken, macaroni salad, salt potatoes, and cookies. Half chicken is only $10. 9305 State Route 46 in Westernville.

***This list may be updated with additional events and initiatives as time goes on***

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