Fall is a time University students associate with football, pumpkin carving and, of course, pancakes. Not just any pancakes, but Pancakes for Parkinson's, the beneficiary event held every year on Grounds to raise money for Parkinson's disease research.
"Just like Halloween on the Lawn, we want to make it a University staple," said Katie Andrew, the organization's public relations co-chair.
Pancakes for Parkinson's will take place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Lawn, marking five years of flipping delicious pancakes that have raised more than $100,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
"It is a unique philanthropic opportunity that allows us to come together and fight against Parkinson's disease," Pancakes for Parkinson's co-chair Ryan Bugas said. "It fosters community support around the disease,"
When then-College student Mary McNaught started the event in 2004, the organization consisted of about 10 volunteers. Five years later, there are hundreds of student volunteers responsible for everything from mixing the batter to flipping pancakes to collecting donations. Each year, the organization sets to beat the amount of money it raised from the previous year. This year, Pancakes for Parkinson's hopes to raise $60,000 for the foundation, according to its Web site.
The event takes place the morning before a home football game, feeding thousands of hungry students and locals. The organization sets up different "diners" scattered on the Lawn that serve various kinds of pancakes, including blueberry, chocolate chip and cinnamon. Different contracted independent organizations sponsor a "diner" theme that features its own unique toppings. Diners' themes are inspired by Fox's performances, such as his movie "Back to the Future" and his TV series "Spin City."
"I really look forward to all the different kinds of pancakes," second-year student Ellie Madero said.
Students, however, aren't the only ones who attend this massive breakfast. During the past few years, more local families as well as University alumni have participated in the event, which has significantly helped to increase the donations.
In an effort to make Pancakes for Parkinson's more of a community event, the organization's members have sent hand-written invitations to local politicians and celebrities as well as University professors, Andrew said. There has also been a movement to get more University doctors and people affected with the disease to attend, she added.
Such hard work is paying off. The overall anticipation for Pancakes has increased since its creation five years ago, as T-shirt sales and corporate donations have continued to grow.
This year's Pancakes for Parkinson's is expected to be the biggest event yet, with more entertainment, including University a capella groups, a raffle and a higher turnout than any previous year, Andrew said. The event has historically taken place on the South Lawn, but this year, the organization is trying to make more use of the entire Lawn. Because the event is taking place before the Homecoming football game, the organization expects the number of alumni to be at a record high.
Additionally, name recognition for Pancakes for Parkinson's has also grown and the organization has moved to other colleges and universities. In 2007, it made an appearance on the Rachel Ray Show. Pancakes is now also part of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Being under the MJFF allows the local organization to use its resources more effectively and better streamline the money it raises. For example, 85 percent of the donations given to MJFF support research activities, such as the LEAPS project, which investigates methods of slowing or stopping the progression of Parkinson's disease.
In the end, it is not just those eating delicious pancakes who enjoy the day. Pancakes for Parkinson's is a grassroots event that helps raise awareness about a widespread disease.
"It's a great community event," Public Relations co-Chair Jacqueline Churchwell said. "I like the idea of everyone coming together to support a good cause"
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