Annual Pancake Breakfast Returns

Many years ago, when the Garden Spot boys' and girls' lacrosse teams were still at club status, a booster organization made up of players' parents began holding an annual pancake breakfast each February. The fundraiser took a hiatus in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, but now the event has returned.

Dubbed the Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast because of its proximity on the calendar to Valentine's Day, the 2023 all-you-can-eat buffet will be held in the Garden Spot High School cafeteria, 669 E. Main St., New Holland, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. A per-person price will include unlimited pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee, and treats from the hot chocolate bar.

According to organizer Christine Scarle, the venue will be decorated for Valentine's Day. "The kids will help serve and clean up," noted Scarle, who added that team members' parents have volunteered to prepare the breakfast.

Past breakfasts have raised about $3,000 each for the program, which is divided into a youth segment for second-graders through middle-schoolers and a segment for high school teams. "We hope to raise that much this time, and even more would be great," said Scarle, who noted that funds from the event benefit both youth and high school players. At the youth level, Scarle said funds cover referee fees, field maintenance, insurance, and equipment. "We don't ask (youth players) to purchase their own equipment," she explained. "They are trying to get familiar with the sport, so we have equipment for them to borrow." At the high school level, funds help to cover team meals and bonding events. Themed shirts are also purchased for players. "Last year, the girls' theme was 'Unity,'" reported Scarle.

Readers who would like to purchase tickets to the breakfast may visit http://www.gardenspotlacrosse.com. In the case of inclement weather, individuals may search for "Garden Spot Spartans Lacrosse" on Facebook for information.