| Search PNC News for stories of people and churches in our UCC Conference: |
|---|
Tolt in 34th year of serving July 4 pancake breakfast
Since the mid-1980s, Tolt United Church of Christ in Carnation has held a pancake breakfast along with the town’s 4th of July celebration.
 |
Homemade strawberry jam is a draw for the pancake breakfast. |
Situated on main street at the beginning of the parade route, Tolt is the go-to place that morning. As the primary source of funds for the Tolt Good Neighbor Fund, the breakfast has raised nearly $80,000 over 34 years and serves 400 to 600 breakfasts each year, said Judy West, breakfast chair.
“Townsfolk love the breakfast, the welcoming atmosphere and the local, homemade strawberry jam,” she said.
One pancake eater tweeted: “The 4th would not be the same without it and you and other volunteers giving up your morning and more. Your work is truly appreciated!”
Another commented that her granddaughter, a Seattle resident, always asks to go to the breakfast.
Tolt is celebrating its 125th anniversary. It started in a small wooden chapel that burned down. E.A. Stuart, founder of Carnation Farms, built the stone Scottish style chapel in memory of his wife.
Soon after, the congregation built the two-story Pilgrim House, with a basement dining room and kitchen big enough for two stoves and a three-section sink.
Up to 600 people move through the 1980s main-level addition, down the hall and stairs to the dining room.
Seating 96 people at a time, the dining room fills and empties all. A crew of 10 fill the kitchen, plus servers, bussers and others mingle.
A small upstairs kitchen dishes up pancakes, sausage and eggs for the accessible street-level fellowship hall.
Judy said at least 50 Tolt members and friends help: picking berries, making jam, setting up, shopping and planning, cooking, serving, cleaning up and otherf tasks.
The Good Neighbor Fund, listed in the 211 helpline, serves Snoqualmie Valley towns. With few barriers, people can receive help for gas, groceries, utilities and other needs.
Once a request is made through the church office, a helper arranges to meet in person and helps as needed with small grants. Each year about 60 individuals and families use the funds,” she said.
For information, call 425 223-6033.
Pacific NW United Church News copyright © Fall 2019
Share this article on your favorite social media 