Pancake breakfasts put fun in fundraising

To many, Kiwanis is synonymous with peanuts and pancakes. And rightfully so. Pancake breakfasts and peanut distributions have been popular Kiwanis fundraisers for years.

So when the Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Washington, serves its annual pancake breakfast, practically everyone in town has heard about it. And practically everyone wants to go. In fact, the line often extends out the door.

This past year was no exception. With the help of members from the Circle K Club of Washington State University (WSU) and the Pullman High School Key Club, more than 800 people enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes, ham, eggs, fruit, juice, and coffee.

The money raised supports the Pullman Kiwanis club’s service projects, including a layette program for new moms, a new city park, and a scholarship endowment fund.

“We raised US$3,000 and also had a silent auction at the event that raised another $3,500,” says Suzy Scott, Pullman Kiwanis club vice-president.

About 60 Kiwanians helped with the event. And Circle K’ers and Key Clubbers—about 15 in all—made it more than a typical pancake breakfast. They griddled pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse, Christmas trees, and Santa, and they danced around the kitchen and cafeteria to music by the high school band.

“ I think the project was successful also in bringing members of Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club together,” says Aisha Young, WSU Circle K president. “By increasing inter-club comfort, we would be able to increase the amount of projects available to all, as well as generate additional ideas. Large inter-club projects also are likely to bring different groups within the community together.”

The Washington State University Circle K’ers posted photos and details about this event on the Kiwanis Web site’s In Action section. For more examples of Kiwanis-family projects, and to add your event to the site, click here.