Pancake Breakfast Helps Struggling Families With YMCA Costs

Hundreds of families enjoyed some quality time together at a very special pancake feast on Saturday.

The Hutcherson Family YMCA at Pine Street and Peoria Avenue held its 35th annual Willie Fork Pancake Breakfast.

It's a big deal for the "Y" because all the money raised goes to its Strong Kids Campaign.

"This allows us to provide membership for everyone," YMCA Executive Director Lamar Brown said. "We don't turn away anybody for inability to pay. This also pays for summer camp and a variety of other things that just allow us to help the community better."

The "Y" says the pancake fundraiser was a big success. In all, it says about 500 people attended. Celebrity pancake flippers included members of the Tulsa 66ers and the Tulsa Defenders.

Named for "ultimate volunteer" Willie Fork, the event helps to continue Fork's philanthropic legacy.

"[It] has been so much more than a childcare facility, said Joan, whose son is in the Strong Kids program at the Hutcherson Child Development Center. "I never expected to receive love, support and understanding not just for myself, but for my whole family."