By Joey McWilliams
DURANT – Another first Tuesday after the first Monday in November has come and gone. This year, election results weren’t on the tops of people’s minds. (But next year…) However, every year it seems that pancakes and friends come into play on this day.
Once again, the Kiwanis Club hosted Pancake Day, a fundraiser in which the members cook pancakes and more in an all-you-can-eat gathering at the Community Building.
This year, the final count showed 2,761 tickets were redeemed at the front door as people came through to get their food and take time to visit.
“The Kiwanis Pancake Day is like a national day for us in Durant and in Oklahoma,” said Janet Reed, Executive Director of the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce. “It was so fun to watch everyone coming in and the networking that was taking place. And there were people who hadn’t seen each other in forever.
“It truly has a become a staple in our community – we look forward to it. Not only is it to help a very good cause, it’s also a place for social networking and gathering.”
County Commissioner Ron Boyer said the number of people who participate in Pancake Day is always one of the top numbers for attendance at events at the Fairgrounds.
Jack Liwai – with time on his hands and pancakes in his belly – broke down the final numbers a little further:
• 2,761 people
• With an average of $5 per person, this is $13,805 raised for the Kiwanis. (And this is the only Kiwanis fundraiser each year.)
• At 14 hours (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), this was an average of $968 raised per hour, with an average of more than 197 people through the line each hour. (+/- 3.2 per minute)
Reed summed up the day with gratitude for a strong community organization.
“It was a fun place to be and thank you to the Kiwanis club for providing those kind of activities and events for us to participate in.”