By Patricia Rudnick
The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 1. This annual event, held in the Manhasset High School cafeteria, is a tradition cherished by generations of local adults and children.
Jeannette Whitehead, coordinator of the event, said “I think our pancakes are the best on Long Island, light fluffy and delicious. Compared to other similar events I have attended, ours are number one.” Jeff Stone, newly-elected president of the club, commented, “This is not just about pancakes, but a full breakfast of bacon, sausage, juice etc. We have people coming here who have not missed our breakfast in half a century. This must be a record for service clubs like Kiwanis.” Profits from the event provide scholarships for seniors from both Manhasset and Port Washington high schools and also help fund other charitable events. As Kathy Levinson, past president of the club commented,
“Our goal is always to help children. Our members volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, Rose Kennedy school, and raise funds from an annual golf outing to benefit YAI (Youth Adult Institute) a community based program for people with developmental and learning disabilities. Another group through the Friends of NS/LIJ Health System raises monies to purchase and donate kits to equip emergency vehicles with special medical equipment designed to sustain the lives of children until they reach the hospital.” Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
The Manhasset-Port Washington club is part of this world-wide organization and by its Pancake Breakfast and other events raises funds to achieve these goals. They meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Port Washington Yacht Club at 12:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
