Darien Lions Prep for 40th Annual Pancake Breakfast

If you’re wondering where to grab breakfast out this coming Sunday, the Darien Lions Club has one option for you.

The club will be holding its at , complete with eggs, sausage, OJ and, of course, pancakes. 

Breakfast chair Art Kardatzke said last year about 1,200 people attended the breakfast, which this year will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It is not a small event,” said Kardatzke, noting the event usually nets about $8,000 in profit. 

All of that profit goes to help support the Lions Club’s local service efforts, including the food pantries at Our Lady of Peace and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, as well as the Lions’ own annual holiday food basket program, Kardatzke said.

The proceeds also help kid-focused causes such as the Hinsdale South Bumble Bee newspaper, Cub Scout Pack 36 and student scholarships, as well as community events such as the Lions’ Fourth of July Parade and Halloween Party.

The community comes together to help the Lions with the breakfast, with Boy Scouts assisting with tray clearing and several area businesses serving as sponsors. 

“It’s a great way for the community to come together and celebrate camaraderie while raising money for the community,” Kardatzke said.

Perhaps most importantly, Steve Hiatt will continue his tradition of serving as egg cooker extraordinaire, Kardatzke said.

“He’s been doing it for years,” he said.

While the all-you-can-eat breakfast does its part to promote gluttony, guests can also do something good for their health by getting their hearing screened and their blood pressure checked on the Lions Club of Illinois’ mobile screening bus. 

Tickets for the event are $5 in advance or $6 at the door, and may be purchased from any Lions Club member. Kids younger than five eat free.