Lots of planning goes into annual Kiwanis pancake feed

Local residents socialize and enjoy meals during the 90th annual Fort Scott Kiwanis Club Pancake Feed Thursday at the Scottish Rite Temple. The event raises money for several area youth-related organizations, programs and groups, as well as schools and charitable events in Bourbon County. (Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

For the men working behind the scenes of the annual Fort Scott Kiwanis Club Pancake Feed, it's all about the community and the club's motto, "Serving the Children of the World."

The 90th annual fundraiser, which took place Thursday at the Scottish Rite Temple, raises money to benefit youth in Bourbon County. Money raised through the pancake feed over the years has been used to fund a variety of youth-related educational needs, activities and events.

"I like the fact that it generates funds to help youth in the community," said Ralph Carlson, a Kiwanian since 1968. "And it's a good mixer and a good way to meet our friends in the city who have supported our efforts. They realize the needs children have and they support it, and it's great. And meanwhile, they can eat pancakes."

A sign points to the Pancake Feed.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

Carlson worked over a hot grill flipping pancakes Thursday morning for a light breakfast crowd. He said working the grill for the event is something he enjoys doing each year.

"I pretty much stay on the grill," he said. "I like to do it. When the grills are working good, you can turn out a lot of pancakes pretty fast."

At the social gathering, there is always plenty of humor and interplay, Carlson said.

Patrons look on as Fort Scott Kiwanian Ralph Carlson flips a pancake while working the grill at Thursday's feed at the Scottish Rite Temple.(Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

Mark McCoy, Kiwanian since 1981, prepared batter Thursday morning and helped man the grill during the lunch rush.

"It's great being a volunteer knowing it's helping kids," he said. "Everything we raise goes right back into the community ... It's people coming together on a social level. That's what is so great about our town and our community."

Carlson said he thought this year's pancake feed was "as good or maybe slightly improved" from last year's event.

Local residents get a chance to dig into some pancakes and socialize at Thursday's Kiwanis Pancake Feed at the Scottish Rite Temple. The event serves as a fundraiser for the service organization. (Jason E. Silvers/Tribune)

He said breakfast numbers have been down in recent years but the lunch and dinner hours are usually busy.

"For the last several years, the morning traffic has been pretty light; it's picked up a little bit this year," he said.

McCoy said about 30 percent of the plates served at the counter throughout the day were takeout meals.

He said the club anticipated a "very nice turnout" during the dinner period Thursday evening.

"It was a little slow this morning," he said. "We had a fantastic turnout at lunch. There were a lot of people taking to-go orders back to their offices.

McCoy said it takes about two months for the Kiwanis Club to plan and prepare for the event.

Carlson said the club meets the evening before to get all needed supplies out, get the grills out and cleaned and create an action plan. Cooking starts early the day of the feed.

Carlson said the club was prepared to feed between 1,400 and 2,000 people Thursday and hoped to raise $4,000 through the event. Final figures were not yet available. The feed is the club's largest fundraiser of the year. "We do several smaller fundraisers, but this one brings in the most money," he said.