For more than 50 years, the Kiwanis Club of Arlington has used its annual Pancake Day fundraiser to raise money for organizations supporting area children and families. The club' s commitment to the Arlington community has not gone unnoticed.

On October 18, Mayor Robert Cluck spent some time with several club officers in the Council Chamber, at which time the Kiwanis presented a $700,000 symbolic check to reflect how much money had been raised and put back into the local community.

Mayor Cluck was quite impressed with their fundraising efforts, which are centered around the Pancake Breakfast held each year at First United Methodist Church in Arlington. The most recent event raised more than $43,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships. Next year' s Pancake Day event is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, 2013.

One officer touted the benefits of joining the Kiwanis. "It' s about giving back to the community,' said Laura Lemmons, club secretary. "Raising money and seeing it being distributed to kids in the community; your efforts come full circle.'

Some of the money raised supports the club' s scholarship program, which recognizes one senior attending Arlington High School, Martin High School, Lamar High School, Venture School in Arlington, and Kennedale High School.

In addition to raising money for area organizations, the club sponsors service leadership programs designed to provide Arlington ISD and UT Arlington students with opportunities to perform community service and develop leadership skills. Each month, in cooperation with Arlington Independent School District, the Kiwanis Club of Arlington recognizes a Teacher of the Month at Ousley Junior High School.

The organization, celebrating its 60^th anniversary, is looking to increase its membership. For more information about membership or next year' s Pancake Day fundraiser, visit www.kiwanisofarlington.com.

By Reginald Lewis