Geneva Cancer Auction breakfast supports research

Nearly 130 people attended a Pancake Breakfast at the Geneva Bar and Grill on Sunday, March 29. A mini auction during the event raised more than $8,000 for the fight against cancer.  Established in 1985, the Geneva Cancer Auction raises funds for cancer research for the sole purpose of eradicating cancer.

 

With the different churches in town getting out at different times, there were many sequential “rushes” on Sunday morning. For those showing up a little after 10 a.m. it would have appeared there was a lull in the morning breakfast rush. It didn’t last long, but it did provide everyone volunteering a short break. The breakfast was free of charge with free-will donations accepted. Available for sale were Geneva Cancer Auction shirts, hats and other gear.

 

Barb Kuchenbecker, who knows the Geneva Cancer Auction both inside and out, said, “We have about 20 volunteers here this morning, all of them touched by cancer in some way.” Besides the pancakes, which were donated by Karen Quam, there were also eggs, donated by Tim Simon and B&G Bleechers. The milk and syrup were donated by Hy-Vee. Kuchenbecker added, “For our mini auction yesterday, we made a record total of $8,160 with all the items that were donated. That was more than we brought in last year and we are so appreciative of everyone’s support. It’s only 11 a.m. but we’ve had 105 people come through our line and we’re hoping to see many more.”

 

For the kids there was a special pancake topping bar that had whipped cream, mini-M&Ms, sprinkles, and vanilla and chocolate chips. Near that table was a silent auction area filled with donations, like two spring viola plants, a kitchen set, and Sue Hill pickles. A brand-new Stanley tool set, a Titan cooler with four wine bottles inside, a children’s fishing set, a bloody Mary vodka basket with all the trimmings. A cancer basket, a blanket decorated with horse designs and a wine goodie basket. All items were donated.

 

In the bar's back entryway was master pancake flipper Jesse Quam; he had a big gas griddle set up and was pouring pancake batter out of a brown pitcher, “I’m making two different types of pancakes, ones with chocolate chips and ones without. I think so far I’ve made about 700 pancakes, and that’s just this morning.” He had the back door open just a crack for ventilation. His stepdaughter Charlotte was helping him by bringing the cooked pancakes over to the servers leaving Quam time to pour more batter.

 

All proceeds for this event went toward Geneva Cancer Auction fundraising.