Sr. Cub Center Grateful for Support @ Pancake Breakfast, Oct. 16

The Olney Senior Cub Center’s Executive Director, Jerri Corbin-Ford, was thrilled with the turnout and support of the center’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser’s turnout and support. Oct. 16.

“I believe this was the best turnout we’ve had in a long time. We did more publicity, but because we missed last year, people were ready to come out and support us while enjoying breakfast. People seemed excited to come back,” Corbin-Ford said.

The center’s board members and volunteers presold tickets. Larry Gandy led the pack in sales, having sold more than 150 tickets. Corbin-Ford said the board members were also instrumental with purchasing and selling tickets. The new board comprises Don Berry, Pat Curtis, Wade Fikes, David Ickert (Vice president), Valorie Mahler (President), GayLynn McClelland, Lauren Sullivan (Secretary), Laverne Wood and Kent Wright.

“I am so appreciative and thankful for our board that functions as a board should by being involved with every aspect of our events. I am also thankful for two sponsors, Stewart’s Food Store and 3-T Meats, and our staff—Angela Lockard, Linda Phillips, Christy Garcia, Kristen Thurman and B.J. Also, I want to thank our van driver Jamie Riley and Manuel Garcia, who helped with the pancake breakfast deliveries,” Corbin-Ford said.

Board member Lauren Sullivan was pleased about the success of the event.

“We had a great day and had a chance to see so many friends, which is what the center is all about—visiting friends and having a good meal. We would love for folks to come anytime for a good meal. They don’t need reservations, but we do ask guests to call ahead, so we will know they’re coming,” Sullivan said.

First Baptist Church of Olney Pastor Chad Edgington stopped by for breakfast with his son Sawyer and daughter Emerald. He commented on the center’s role in the community.

“The Center provides a great service to the community, especially with the Meals on Wheels program. They also provide a place for people to come and socialize, which we learned during the pandemic that human contact is vital, especially for senior citizens who don’t get out a lot because they may be widowed or shut-in,” Edgington said.

Seniors Rodge Dunlap and Alanna Kuhn said the pancakes were good and something they look forward to every year. Kuhn said her mother came to the center for years, and supporting the center is essential. Dunlap, who owned a café in Olney for years, said it is good to have a place where people can come and enjoy a meal.

Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck and Constable Cliff Blackstock said they enjoyed the breakfast, too. Birbeck said regarding the center, “It gives us a place to come and stay on top of local topics. Events like the pancake breakfast is really an awesome way for us to connect with the community.” Blackstock said the center gets [seniors] out of the house. So many of them don’t have a place to go or family, so this place allows them to be with other people. Be on the lookout for future events that will take place at the Senior Cub Center. The next big fundraiser will be the Souper Bowl that will occur in January or February. The board will announce the date soon.