After devastating flooding impacted the West Liberty Lions Club's Labor Day Festival, the West Liberty Business Association is stepping up to help.

The association will host a benefit beef or chicken and noodle dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the West Liberty Fire Department, with all proceeds supporting the Lions Club.

Floodwaters at Lions Park reduced attendance, limited parking, affected vendors, and created extensive cleanup costs during the club's biggest annual fundraiser. The loss of revenue has impacted funds used to maintain Lions Park throughout the year.

"They do so much for our community," said West Liberty Business Association President Heather Chamberlain. "We wanted to help offset some of the costs they incurred and support the maintenance of Lions Park."

The meals, that will be available by donation, include: beef or chicken and noodles, green beans and rolls. Organizers plan to serve 240 dinners, with dine-in and carryout available. A silent auction also will be held during the event.

Chamberlain encourages residents to make an evening of it by supporting downtown businesses after dinner, including shopping local stores and stopping by The Liberty Gathering Place for some homemade pie for dessert or Stoner's Ice Cream Parlor for a scoop or two of ice cream.

Then, guests can continue to enjoy the evening in downtown West Liberty, where horse-drawn carriage rides, sponsored by the West Liberty Business Association, will add a touch of small-town charm to the community gathering.

In a town known for coming together when neighbors are in need, the benefit dinner is one more example of the community rallying behind an organization that has long given back to West Liberty.