Lions Club celebrates 72 years of pancakes and community service

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)--The Lions Club held its 72nd annual Pancake Days over the weekend in hopes of bringing smiles and full bellies to thousands of St. Joseph residents.

Every year, the Lions Clubs of St. Joseph, including the East side, Downtown and South side branches, come together for the common good of the community. The group sells pancakes, sausages and drinks to raise money for several local causes including helping aid those with vision and hearing loss.

“It’s refreshing is what I would tell you,” Club President Stephen Lorenz said. “It’s great to see the community as a whole to come out and support...I think a lot of people look forward to it. We look forward to it.”

The Lions Club was initiated in 1917 but found its purpose when Helen Keller, American author and disability rights advocate, challenged them to become “knight of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” In honor of this challenge, the St. Joseph Lions Clubs have held the Pancake Days to help fund eyeglasses and hearing devices for residents for the past 72 years.

“We just want to serve the community and give back to the community,” Lorenz said. “This is our way of doing it and having some fun while we’re at it.”

Of course, with so many customers, the Lions Club got assistance from the Scouts of Troop 6.

“The Scouts are helping out with pancakes, serving drinks, helping people, changing syrups, filling up butters and helping people carry their trays,” Scout Jonathon Pinkerman said. “It makes you feel like a better person.”

Although Lorenz said the group had hoped to reach a goal of 5,000, the Club helped the community tremendously by serving nearly 4,000 customers by Sunday afternoon.

To learn more about the Lions Club and their mission, visit the website at stjomosouthsidelions.club.