A flapjack fundraiser

The first thing Linda Easley did Saturday after she finished her recovery from neck surgery was head to the 56th annual Pancake and Sausage Day to volunteer.

The event was held at the COSMO Community Center and involved volunteers from the Cosmopolitan Columbia Luncheon Club, the Columbia Cosmopolitan Breakfast Club and the Columbia Cosmopolitan Show Me Club, all of which are part of Cosmopolitan International, a not-for-profit national civic organization. Pancake and Sausage Day is the second-largest fundraising activity for the club, which supports many community projects.

“We are hoping to serve between 1,500 to 2,000 people this year to make around $10,000 worth of profits that can be given to people that really need the money,” said Wayne Powell, the chairperson for this year’s event.

According to Andy Anderson, past president of the Luncheon Club, close to $1.5 million has been given to community projects and organizations since the club started in 1947.

Many of the people who came down to Pancake and Sausage Day felt that it was for a good cause, but more importantly, they valued their involvement in the club.

“It’s a good organization. I like to support something when I can see where my money is going, and I’ve got a lot of friends here,” said Pete McBaine, 83, who has been supporting the event for the past 50 years.

According to those who showed up for pancakes and sausage, the food was almost as good as the cause. “Their pancakes can beat McDonald’s,” said Bill Wooten, who came with his wife. They have been to the event every year for 10 years.

“This is the only way that we can help people because we don’t have money to give people,” he added.

As early as 6 a.m., Bill Johnson was flipping pancakes for the crowd of people streaming through the door. Johnson joined the club in 1977 because he wanted to give back to the community. “With the funds we raise, we can do a lot of good in the community,” he said.

When asked how long he would help out, he replied “as long as I’m able.”

“This particular event is something that has been going on for so many years that people enjoy coming back every year,” said Russ Miller, who has been a member since 1987.