Early on Saturday mornings, Winchester Elks Lodge #2816 on Shoppers Drive is often filled with the taste and smell of a warm breakfast. 

March 2 was the same. 

From 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., a pancake breakfast at the lodge took place to benefit Friends of Parks and Recreation. 

“The Elks Lodge [does] these charity breakfasts several months out of the year. They always pick a different local nonprofit to benefit,” said Tiffany Fletcher, assistant program director at Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation. “The organization gets to keep 100% of the profits, so we were lucky enough to be on their list.” 

Friends of Parks and Recreation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to supporting the goals and programs of Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation. 

Thus, every local and non-local resident can be granted an opportunity for optimal recreation and leisure activities and be provided with programs enhancing health, wellness, and an overall positive quality of life. 

It’s the third year Friends of Parks & Recreation and the Elks Lodge have collaborated. 

During previous years, estimates for the number of attendees have been as high as 300 individuals. 

With each paying a small fee of $10 to enter, support for local programs has been readily available. 

“Friends of Parks and Recreation [funds] all of the kids and youth programming at [Winchester-Clark County] Parks and Recreation,” Fletcher said. “The Swim at the Gym Splash Class where the preschoolers get those free swim lessons…we fully fund that, and that’s something that doesn’t fit in [to the] normal Parks and Recreation budget.” 

While many people find the idea of helping Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation altruistic, those present had additional ways to find satisfaction. 

With the pool table open, some occupied themselves in a competitive game. 

And, of course, the breakfast menu provided plenty to choose from. 

Along with pancakes, guests could order eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, gravy, and more. Drink choices included milk, orange juice, regular and diet Pepsi, and coffee. 

Though early, multiple televisions allowed others to view the local news and weather, check up on recent sports, and more. 

Crews from Stuff Recycling, owned by Jerry Joiner, are frequent attendees of the breakfasts. 

“[He] sponsors it…the foods’ great!” said Cokie Guerrant, shredder operator. “Even though we’re not at work, we’re still together.” 

Though the weekly breakfasts will stop for a time as the weather begins to warm, they will continue to assist when called upon. 

“One of the things that we love about parks and recreation is our community, and this event really shows how much our community is willing to show up and [provide] support,” Fletcher added. “You get breakfast, and you get to help a nonprofit…we appreciate everyone who comes out!”