Niagara Gospel Mission Announces Results and Winner of Butter Bowl Competition

“We’ve eliminated a line item from our budget through this contest while churning up a lot of fun and spreading a lot of joy!” said Executive Director Rev. John Cooper Jr.

Niagara Falls, New York—Throughout May 2025, Niagara Gospel Mission held its first annual Butter Bowl competition to collect a year’s worth of butter. “The hope was to collect at least 620 pounds of butter to cover our needs for one year,
said Executive Director Rev. John Cooper Jr.

Cooper said around 10 pounds of butter is used each week in the Mission’s kitchen to provide meals for around 140 individuals; another 100 pounds is used during Feed the Falls events when around 3,000 Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are delivered to low-income homes. “That’s 620 pounds of butter spread across 12 months,” Cooper said.

“The Mission spends approximately $2,150 each year on butter,” Cooper noted. “Our goal was to erase that line item altogether so we could use that money for other needs that serve the homeless and hungry here in Niagara Falls.”

The Butter Bowl competition extended throughout May and invited community members to bring donations to the Mission’s location at 1317 Portage Road. By June 1, more than 10 participating companies and churches churned up interest among their employees and congregants, collecting a total of 747 pounds of butter—127 pounds over the goal!

“Cornerstone Church on Grand Island won the coveted Butter Bowl Trophy, collecting 191 pounds of butter,” Cooper said. “It was all in fun, but it also met a serious need here at the Mission. We appreciate everyone who participated!”

For interviews, photos and for more information, contact Colton Lackey at clackey@niagaragrm.org