Since its first shipment of heifers from Nappanee, Ind., in 1944, Heifer has carried out its mission to end hunger and poverty around the world through the gifts of animals and training for 70 years. Celebrate at this Beyond Hunger: Communities of Change event, right here in northern Indiana where Heifer International began.

The weekend events include a hog roast (a northern Indiana tradition), stories of Heifer founder Dan West and the Heifer Project told by two of his children, presentations by local author and researcher Peggy Reiff Miller and former Heifer Midwest Director Dave Boothby. The lunch event keynote will be Heifer’s President and CEO Pierre Ferrari, and a variety of afternoon breakout sessions will be led by Heifer staff and volunteers on a range of topics from how to get involved with Heifer to conversations with the seagoing and flying cowboys and cowgirls who cared for the animals on their overseas voyages. Children can attend a day camp full of fun activities, and everyone can share their stories of Heifer involvement during an open mic time Saturday evening.

Sunday morning, several area churches will continue the celebration with a focus on Heifer in their services. Heifer staff members or volunteers will be present to participate. These churches include the Rock Run, Middlebury, Goshen City, Creekside, Bethany, and North Manchester Churches of the Brethren, and the Plymouth United Church of Christ in Goshen.

The event will be held at Camp Alexander Mack in Milford from Friday, Sept. 12, to Sunday, Sept.14 (Pre-registration required for the public). The Hog Roast with stories of Dan West and Heifer Project will be on Friday evening. Day camp for children ages 5-11 is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also on Saturday morning is the Heifer History presentations by Peggy Reiff Miller and Dave Boothby. A luncheon with keynote by Heifer International President and CEO Pierre Ferrari, followed by breakout sessions, on Saturday afternoon. Heifer will be at church services on Sunday morning.