Flapjack fundraiser: Eden Prairie Lions flip pancakes, fuel community projects

Eden Prairie Lions Club members (from left) Dan Batcher, Steve Weismann and Joel Johnson work the grill at the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday at True Friends Camp Eden Wood. *Photos courtesy of Gary Stevens/Eden Prairie Lions Club*

Eden Prairie Lions Club member Mike Moriarity (left) serves up a pancake during the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.

Under sunny skies, the Eden Prairie Lions Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast at True Friends Camp Eden Wood cooked up strong attendance on Sunday.

Organizers reported that approximately 680 people attended, lured by delicious pancakes and ideal weather, marking the event a resounding success.

The breakfast again featured pancakes, sausages, and syrup, with the Original Pancake House donating the batter and syrup. Attendees could eat as many pancakes and sausages as they liked.

The Pancake Breakfast kicks off the Lions Club’s fundraising efforts for the year.

Following the breakfast, the club plans several other community events, including Schooner Days from May 31 to June 2, beer and wine service during the city’s Fourth of July festivities, the Corn Feed on Aug. 3, and the golf tournament on Aug. 5.

Manoj Narayanan, his wife Dharmisha, and their son Vihaan during the Eden Prairie Lions Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.

According to the Lions Club, all profits from these events are returned to the community, with none used for club operations. The club’s entire operating budget is funded by member contributions.

From July 1, 2019, to Feb. 1, 2024, the Lions Club donated $207,400 to various causes.

This includes more than $30,750 for public safety efforts, such as equipping the EP Crime Prevention Fund’s police SUV for drone operations and providing CPR training mannequins to the fire department, plus $36,750 in scholarships for Eden Prairie High School students.

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Photos from Sunday’s Eden Prairie Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at True Friends Camp Eden Wood: On the left, members Bob Shurson (left) and Curt Connaughty; on the right, John Meier (left) and Bob Bowes.

The club also allocated $107,400 to social and community services. This funding supported several initiatives, including a $50,000 donation to True Friends Camp Eden Wood for special needs children and $20,400 to The PROP Shop, which provides clothes and furniture to needy families. Additionally, the club directed $12,300 to PROP Food.

Barb and David Danielson take a break from their meal during the Eden Prairie Lions Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.

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