History of Pancake Day

Kiwanis Pancake Day was conceived at a Board of Directors meeting in November 1957 as a direct result of a magic show sponsored by the Club, which lost money instead of being a fundraiser.

In the early days of Pancake Day, we were able to have all materials donated in return for the advertising benefits. The first one was held on February 28, 1958 at 514 Broad Street. Total receipts for the day were $ 916. Tickets were $1.00 for adults and $.50 for children.

Over the years, the event was held in various downtown buildings and continued to grow until it was necessary to move to Gadsden Convention Hall where it is held on an annual basis, usually on the third Saturday in February.

We have served as many as 10,000 people in one day. Total receipts for the 45 years (through September 30, 2002) is $ 1,105,863

Kiwanis Pancake money was responsible for building The Kiwanis Pavilion and buying the train for Noccalula Falls Park. Pancake Day funds were also used to help co.sponsor "The Bridge" a highly successful drug abuse program. Other uses for funds include support of: Eagle Rock Ranch, The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra, The Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs of Etowah County, Gadsden Etowah.County YMCA Youth Programs, Greater Alabama Council Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, United Way of Etowah County, Re ading is Fundamental Program, Junior Achievement, The Alabama Child Caring Foundation (health insurance of area children), Young Life, Gadsden - Etowah County Chamber of Commerce Extra Mile Award Program, area Little League Baseball Teams, college scholarships for area youth, sponsor annual 4.H Club awards program, annual Christmas shopping for area youths, provide Tylenol drops and elixir to the Etowah County Health Department, The Kiwanis International Foundation, Alabama District Kiwanis Foundation, plus many other worthwhile charities and projects.

In addition to Pancake Day, the Kiwanis Club of Gadsden has a year-round fundraiser; Kiwanis gumball machines located throughout Etowah County and selected Pepsi vending machines designated for Kiwanis Youth programs.

Pancake Day has become a civic social event for our community and a total involvement day for all our Members, Builders Club, Key Club and Circle K Members. Without the help of our Middle School, High School and College students, a feat of this magnitude would be almost impossible. This involvement has been good for our Club and rewarding for our community.

Thanks for your support of the Kiwanis Club of Gadsden and our annual Kiwanis Pancake Day fundraiser. The Club would also like to thank the area businesses that have helped sponsor Pancake Day by their generous donations and their purchase of Pancake Day Banners, Brochure Sponsorships and Place Mat Ads.