For 60 years, the tradition of the Greendale Pancake Breakfast has been a part of the fabric of the Village. The money raised at these events has always been utilized for various causes over the years, but the ultimate outcome of this “all-you-can- eat” meal was the ability to bring the entire community together for food, fun and fellowship.
Being chartered in 1955, the Greendale Lions Club was desired to extend “Lionism” into the community. The original members put their heads together to determine how they could participate in local activities and raise money for Lions’ causes, all while serving the community.
Successful participation in Fourth of July celebrations (dunking booth included), sponsored dances and sports nights brought in money for Eye Clinics, scholarships and the construction of the Youth Building. While the first major undertaking for the Greendale Lions Club was to assist in the erection of the addition to the Memorial Youth Building, the first Pancake Breakfast was held to promote this project and raise funds. Saturday June 4, 1960, was selected and the function was held on the Youth Building grounds. Following the event, the newsletter minutes stated: “Pancakes Make Dough” An estimated $200 (about $1,700 today) profit was made available for the Youth Building as a result of the great turnout at the first annual pancake event.
Because of this great success, the Lions were prompted to follow up with a “Benefit Pancake Event” on Saturday June 2, 1962. This happening was advertised as an all-day pancake “feed” featuring “all-you-can-eat” pancakes, sausages and beverages from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Greendale High School. Contests and prizes were available all day, too.
The success of these inaugural events prompted the Greendale Lions to repeat the Pancake Breakfast each year – and it still continues today. Over the years, the event morphed from a summertime happening to become an Easter event – complete with an Easter Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. What hasn’t changed is the fact that the profits are earmarked for scholarships.
Most recently, the event was ex- tended to include a partnership with the Greendale High School Marching Band. As this collaboration brings more volunteers to work during the Pancake Breakfast, it also has allowed the event to morph once again: it now includes a vendor fair AND it takes place twice a year – both at Easter and now in December for the holidays. With both groups contributing to the event, profits are able to be shared between them. The Marching Band raises money for their needs (e.g., uniforms, competitions, trips), and the Greendale Lions continue to raise money for their scholarship fund.
The past and present “all-you-can-eat” Pancake Breakfasts of the Greendale Lions have had an immeasurable impact weaving them into the fabric of the community, allowing them to serve members of the Village and offering future leaders the opportunity to receive scholarships for their education.