Boy Scout Troop 12  held its annual Pancake Breakfast on Feb. 3 at First Congregational Church of Western Springs, an event which the boys as well as the community have come to eagerly and hungrily anticipate.

Troop 12 has a long and prestigious history in the area. It was founded in 1926, making it among the oldest troops in the western suburbs. The approximately 50 members of Troop 12 members range in age from 11 to 18 and come from throughout the area including Western Springs, La Grange and La Grange Highlands. First Congregational Church has been the troop’s sponsor since its inception although many of the boys are not congregants.

Troop 12’s Pancake Breakfast has been an annual event for at least 10 years. It is the troop’s largest fundraiser according to Renee Turner of Western Springs, one of the event coordinators and the mother of Boy Scout Andrew Turner. The money raised at the event is used to help purchase equipment, support Eagle projects and offset other Troop expenses.

“It’s a big deal,” Turner said.

The Pancake Breakfast is no small undertaking. Turner said that last year’s event drew approximately 400 guests for pancakes, bacon, coffee and orange juice. While parent volunteers man the stoves and are responsible for much of the cooking, the boys are all assigned shifts with specific duties.

“The boys have to work pretty hard. They help with set up, cleaning up and they have to serve the patrons when they come in. They’re really involved … they do a lot of the work. The boys like it. They’re going to complain about anything seeming like work, but in truth they have a good time,” she said.

Turner stressed the overall success of the fundraiser is due largely to the donations from the community.

“Almost everything is donated,” she said, citing support from Western Springs Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy, Jewel, Kirschbaum’s Bakery, Casey’s Market, Honey Bee Café, Spaghetti Bowl, and Griffith Laboratories. She added that the large attendance each year is further proof of the community’s commitment.

“Many area residents have become regulars at the event. People are loyal to it — we get a big turnout and a lot of nice support from the church and other people in the community, kids’ friends come, brothers and sisters and cousins. It’s well supported and we’re glad because it is important for us,” Turner said.

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