A longstanding Arnold tradition brought hundreds of residents together this weekend for food, fellowship, and a good cause.

The Arnold Rotary Club hosted its annual Pancake Breakfast, drawing the largest turnout the event has seen in years. According to Rotary President Phil Hendrickson, between 460 and 500 people attended the breakfast, making it the biggest event the club has hosted to date.

For decades, the breakfast has served as one of the club’s primary fundraising events. The money raised helps support a variety of local charities and community programs, including three scholarships awarded each year to graduating seniors at Fox, Seckman, and Windsor High Schools.

A Community Effort

Events like the pancake breakfast require significant planning and volunteer support.

Hendrickson said nearly the entire Arnold Rotary membership participated in making the breakfast happen, along with spouses and additional volunteers from the community. In total, roughly sixty people helped cook, serve, organize, and restock food throughout the morning.

The large turnout even required volunteers to make multiple supply runs during the event.

“They had to go to Sam’s and Walmart twice to reload,” Hendrickson said.

This year’s breakfast also expanded the menu. While pancakes remain the centerpiece of the event, organizers added biscuits and gravy for the first time.

Supporting Students and Local Charities

While the breakfast has become a popular community gathering, its primary purpose remains supporting charitable causes throughout the area.

Each year the Arnold Rotary Club awards scholarships to students from three local high schools: Fox, Seckman, and Windsor. The scholarships help graduating seniors continue their education after high school.

In addition to scholarships, Rotary fundraising supports a number of community organizations. Hendrickson said the club regularly provides support to groups such as the Women’s Crisis Center, the Salvation Army, the BackStoppers, and local Boy Scout programs.

The club has also helped support the James II Project, a Jefferson County organization that provides meals and services to people in need.

Through Rotary International, members also contribute to global humanitarian projects, including efforts to provide clean water and the long running campaign to eradicate polio worldwide.

Rotary’s Growing Community Impact

The pancake breakfast has long been one of the club’s most consistent fundraising traditions, but Rotary leaders say they are expanding their efforts with additional community events.

Last year the club launched the Arnold Rotary Charity Car Show, which raised roughly eight thousand dollars for charity in its first year. Organizers are planning the second annual car show for May ninth.

In addition, the club coordinates bell ringing volunteers throughout Jefferson County each Christmas season to support the Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign.

Joining Rotary

Hendrickson said Rotary membership is open to local business owners, professionals, and community leaders who want to serve the community while building relationships with other civic minded residents.

The Arnold Rotary Club meets weekly for lunch on Wednesdays and regularly welcomes new members interested in supporting community projects.

Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary membership can contact the club through one of its current members or attend a meeting to learn more about the organization’s work.

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