Marietta Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Days: A Delicious Tradition for a Good Cause

The Marietta Kiwanis Club recently hosted its 69th annual Pancake Days fundraiser, a beloved community event that brings together families and friends for a hearty meal while supporting local children’s programs. This year’s event took place at the Broughton Community Building, featuring delicious pancakes, sausage, and various fundraising activities.

Key Takeaways

Event Duration: The Pancake Days fundraiser runs over two days, with hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Fundraising Activities: Attendees enjoyed a silent auction, a country store, and an elite raffle with high-value prizes.
Community Impact: Proceeds from the event support local children’s programs and initiatives.

A Cherished Tradition

The Pancake Days event has become a staple in the Marietta community, celebrating its long-standing tradition since the Kiwanis Club’s inception in 1922. Shoshanna Brooker, the club’s president, emphasized the importance of this event as their primary fundraiser, stating, "It’s our main fundraiser of the year, offering pancakes, sausage, tea, coffee, milk, and water."

Fundraising Activities

In addition to the delicious food, Pancake Days featured several engaging fundraising activities:

Silent Auction: Attendees competed for various items, including complete food packages and themed baskets.
Country Store: A selection of smaller prizes was available for purchase, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Elite Raffle: High-value prizes included:
- Meta Quest 3
- Garmin watch
- Full-size Yeti cooler
- Weber grill shaped like a Buckeyes helmet
- 65-inch big-screen TV

Many of these items were generously donated by local businesses and community members, showcasing the spirit of giving that defines the event.

Supporting Local Children

The funds raised during Pancake Days are directed towards various programs that benefit children in Washington County. The Kiwanis Club operates under the motto "Serving the Children of the World," focusing on local initiatives such as:

Terrific Kids Program: Aimed at recognizing and encouraging positive behavior in students.
Boys and Girls Club Support: Providing resources and funding for local youth programs.
Community Facility Restoration: Contributions to restore facilities like the Betsey Mills pool, enhancing recreational opportunities for children.

Brooker highlighted the club’s commitment to making a direct impact on the lives of children in the area, stating, "We aim to find ways to directly impact and improve the lives of children in our community."

Building Community Connections

Beyond fundraising, Pancake Days serves as a vital opportunity for community members to connect and socialize. Brooker expressed her desire for attendees to enjoy the event as a chance to reconnect with friends and neighbors, saying, "It’s a great opportunity to shake off that cabin fever and enjoy a warm meal with neighbors."

Join the Kiwanis Club

For those interested in becoming more involved, the Marietta Kiwanis Club welcomes new members. Meetings are held twice a month, providing an opportunity for community engagement and service.

The Pancake Days fundraiser not only satisfies appetites but also strengthens community bonds and supports essential programs for children, making it a truly meaningful event in Marietta.