The Oceanside Kiwanis Club flipped pancakes and raised funds for local youth during its 27th annual Super Bowl pancake breakfast on Feb. 8 at St. Anthony’s Church, continuing a community tradition that began in 1999.
Families packed the parish’s cafeteria for the longtime fundraiser, which featured a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage and bagels, along with coffee, juice, hot chocolate and tea. The event coincided with Super Bowl Sunday — a timing organizers say has helped make the breakfast one of the club’s most popular annual events.
Dozens of student volunteers from Oceanside’s Kiwanis-sponsored youth organizations — including elementary school K-Kids clubs, middle school Builders Clubs and high school Key Clubs — helped run the event. Students served food, sold raffle tickets and assisted with activities, giving them hands-on experience in community service.
In addition to breakfast, the event offered a wide range of family-friendly entertainment. Children enjoyed games, coloring stations, face painting, mini golf and carnival-style activities set up throughout the hall. A large raffle featured more than 60 baskets, with prizes ranging from candy and toys to artwork.
“This is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Jeanine Badalamenti, an Oceanside Kiwanis Club member. “The more we raise here, the more kids we can send to camp over the summer.”
All proceeds from the breakfast support Kamp Kiwanis, a nonprofit summer camp in Taberg, NY, as well as other Kiwanis youth programs throughout the year. The camp offers recreational activities in a fully accessible environment, providing campers with opportunities to build independence and friendships.
Badalamenti said attendance continued to grow this year, helped by strong community support and sponsorships.
“The turnout has been great,” she said. “Even the weather didn’t keep anybody away.”
The Oceanside Kiwanis Club works year-round to support children and families through service projects, scholarships and partnerships with local schools. Members said the annual pancake breakfast not only raises funds, but also strengthens connections between generations through volunteerism.
“For us, it’s about giving back,” Badalamenti said. “Every plate of pancakes helps give a child the chance to go to camp and have an unforgettable summer.”
