When the Danville Kiwanis Club faced the possible cancellation of its 70th Pancake Day last October, owners of the local McDonald’s Restaurants came to the rescue. And now, what happened last October is being recognized internationally with a story about it in the August issue of Kiwanis Magazine. The magazine is sent to all Kiwanis members in North America, plus select members in 80 countries.
Facing the fact that Pancake Day could not be held at the David S. Palmer Arena last year because of the pandemic, club president Mary Surprenant turned to Don and Deanna Witzel. They own and operate six McDonald’s Restaurants in Vermilion County.
It was decided the Kiwanis would sell tickets which could be redeemed at the local McDonalds for hotcakes, sausage and a small drink. Originally the Witzels were going to supply the food at cost – but then decided to run the week-long promotion at no cost to the Kiwanis.
It turned out more than 2,000 people were served, and $22-thousand dollars was raised through sponsorships and ticket sales. It allowed the Danville Kiwanis Club (including members of the Golden K Kiwanis Club) to pass out cash awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 in March to local programs supporting children.
An article telling about what happened last October in Danville covers an entire page in the new Kiwanis Magazine.
