St. John Lutheran Church Concludes 25-Year Wild Game Charity Dinner Tradition

St. John Lutheran Church in Boerne has concluded its 25-year tradition of hosting the Wild Game Charity Dinner, with the final event taking place in April 2026. The church announced its decision to step away from the annual event, which had raised significant funds for local and national charities.

The final dinner, held at the Kendall County Youth Agriculture and Equestrian Center, marked the end of a long-standing effort to support community service organizations. On Wednesday, representatives from various charities and nonprofits collected signed checks totaling $116,000, distributed among more than three dozen groups.

A letter dated August 2026 acknowledged the church’s 25-year commitment to the event, noting the impact of the dinners on the community. The letter stated that the decision to end the event came after much prayer and consideration, with the organizers expressing mixed emotions about the conclusion of their involvement.

The first Wild Game Charity Dinner was held on June 2, 2001, by the St. John men’s breakfast and Bible study group. The event, which began as a small gathering, grew into a significant community effort, raising nearly $960,000 over the years. The organizers expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity and the opportunity to serve others.

Richard Wagner and Lemuel Sinclair, the letter’s authors, reflected on the event’s growth and impact. They noted that while they had hoped to create a space for fellowship and community engagement, they had not anticipated the extent of the event’s influence. The organizers emphasized the importance of serving those in need as a reflection of compassion and generosity.

The letter also highlighted the privilege of supporting the missions of various charities, noting that such service strengthens communities and aligns with the values of compassion and generosity. No official announcement has been made regarding future hosting of the Wild Game Charity Dinner, leaving the responsibility open for other churches or civic organizations.

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