Event hosted by Coal Grove Lions, Betterment Club

COAL GROVE — The Dawson-Bryant High School cafeteria was packed all morning on Saturday for the annual Coal Grove pancake breakfast, hosted by the Coal Grove Lions and Betterment clubs.

“This is our way of saying thanks to the community for their support all year long,” Tom Carey, president of the Coal Grove Lions, said. “We’ve been doing this for several years, and it’s been very successful.”

Guests enjoyed a breakfast, complete with pancakes, sausage and milk, juice or coffee, as well as Christmas music performed by the kindergarteners, first, second and third graders of Deering Elementary School, and photos with Santa Claus and a balloon maker for the children.

Carey said about 1,500 people attended the breakfast, and it was non-stop from the beginning of the event to the end.

To make the breakfast possible, the Lions Club provided the food, while the Betterment Club provided treat bags to each child who got a photo with Santa and brought in the person who makes balloons for the children.

“It’s a great thing that we do for the village,” Coal Grove Betterment Club president Vickie McDaniel said. “Seeing all of the kids makes it worth all of our hard work and time.”

Also at the breakfast, Coal Grove Lion, Ray “Moose” Dutey, was presented with a plaque, certificate and pens, signifying 55 years as a member of the Coal Grove Lions.

“It’s just a great time, and everyone gets together and enjoys each other’s company,” Carey said. “It’s a great, great thing.”