WESTFIELD — WMCD Inc., a youth-based nonprofit that raises money for local charities is hosting its third annual Pancake Breakfast on Dec. 7.
“Both of our previous pancake breakfasts have been successful, being two of our larger fundraisers to date, and so this year, we’re looking to reach more members of our community with a fun and cozy way to celebrate the holidays and raise even more money for charity than we have in the past,” said Dominic Monti, who is in charge of marketing for the organization that runs the Western Massachusetts Charity Dance-athon.
The breakfast will feature holiday music, photo opportunities with holiday-themed backdrops, raffle prizes and the chance to meet Santa Claus.
“We’ve worked really hard to keep our pancake breakfast affordable, with tickets costing $10 or less, so that as many members of the community can enjoy the morning with us in a warm hall with a lot of holiday cheer,” explained Monti.
All proceeds raised benefit local charities that the youth board has chosen and will be donated after the 25-hour danceathon in March. Proceeds will go to Griffin’s Friends, a Springfield-based organization that provides opportunities for children with cancer to create moments of joy; Rick’s Place, which provides critical grief support for children and their families and Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, a Springfield-based nonprofit fighting widespread food insecurity. Last year, the organization donated $26,000.
“Even though it’s the busiest season of the year for Santa, we’re lucky enough to have him handing out Hershey’s Kisses and listening to Christmas wishes during our pancake breakfast,” said Monti. “It’s always been so special to see families come together and spend time celebrating the holiday season with such joy and good energy in the room. While the breakfast is delicious, this event brings together people of all ages, from young children meeting Santa Claus for the first time to our youth team members and adults. There’s no better feeling than seeing the community join in on a feel-good event that gives right back to important causes.”
The breakfast runs from 8-11 a.m. at the Youth Recreation Center 127 Holyoke Rd. in Westfield. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6 and can be purchased at wmcd.org.
