Flipping for a Cause: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Feeds Hundreds and Fuels Community Impact in Carefree
Carefree, AZ – The Kiwanis Club of Carefree served up more than just breakfast at its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 11 at the Sanderson Pavilion, delivering a powerful morning of community connection, volunteerism, and giving back.
A total of 762 attendees gathered under blue skies for a picture-perfect Arizona morning, enjoying over 2,000 pancakes, 1,600 sausages, and 1,000 cups of coffee. The coffee, nearly 20 pounds, was generously donated by The Roastery of Cave Creek, helping fuel both guests and volunteers throughout the event.
The breakfast was brought to life by an incredible team effort, including 45 Kiwanis volunteers and 72 student volunteers representing a wide range of local organizations. Participating groups included the Cactus Shadows Football Team, Cave Creek Jr. Falcons Baseball, Cave Creek Museum, Cave Creek Rodeo Royalty, the Cactus Shadows High School Falcon Foundation, Girl Scout Troops 3015 and 4497, Cactus Shadows High School IBS Ambassadors, Scully Learning Center Foundation, and the Cactus Shadows High School Key Club. Their enthusiasm and dedication played a vital role in the event’s success.
Guests were also treated to live entertainment from a talented saxophone and flute quartet from the Desert Hills Community School of Music, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere throughout the morning. Local leadership joined in the celebration, including Carefree Mayor John Crane and Cave Creek Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer, who were on hand to support the event and connect with the community.
Beyond the breakfast, Kiwanis highlighted its ongoing commitment to youth and community support. The Club proudly introduced its partnership with Grand Canyon University to sponsor two students aging out of the foster care system. Through this initiative, Kiwanis is covering room and board for a full year, providing stability, housing, and a foundation for future success.
Additionally, a grant was presented to the Desert Hills Little League Girls Softball Team, reinforcing Kiwanis’ mission to support youth development and local programs.
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree extends heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors whose support made the event possible: English Rose Tea Room, Harold’s Corral, Tech 4 Life Computers and Websites, Carefree Outdoor Living, Foothills Food Bank, Cave Creek Olive Oil, Tonto Bar and Grill, Desert Car Care of Cave Creek, Lisa Stine Realtor, Pure Desert Pest Control, Haley Szabo Realtor, Matt Woosley State Farm, Red Truck Plaza, Office Depot, Coldwell Banker – Roy Colosimo and Amanda Thomason, Carefree Consignment, Creative Cactus Studio, Carefree Floors, City Sun Times, Cave Creek Financial, G Blue Water Solutions, UPS Store – Carefree, Le Sans Souci, Desert Foothills Landscape, The Grotto Café, Whiskey Lizard Band, and Jeffrey & Shelly Zorn.
“This event is a true reflection of what makes our community so special,” said Barb Pearse, Chair of the Pancake Committee. “From volunteers and sponsors to every person who attended, it’s a reminder that when we come together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
About the Kiwanis Club of Carefree
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening the community through service projects, scholarships, and local partnerships. As part of Kiwanis International, the Club focuses on creating lasting impact by supporting youth programs, education, and families in need throughout the Carefree and Cave Creek area.
Media Contact:
Kiwanis Club of Carefree
Tom Pozarycki
[email protected]
