The Sanibel-Captiva Lion’s Club invites islanders and visitors to its pancake breakfast benefiting LARC, Inc. Sept. 3 at the Sanibel Community House. Hoping to see you there are, from left, Lion’s Club member Richard Johnson; LARC members Vernon Snively and David Ceck; Lion’s Club member Dean Skaugstad showing off delicious pancakes; and Tom Hoover, past Lion’s Club president; along with LARC Executive Director Roger Bradley with a stuffed lion, provided by Giggles, on his shoulder.

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, start your morning off right on Sept. 3 with freshly prepared pancakes and sizzling bacon. The best part: Helping a local organization dedicated to meeting the needs of people with development disabilities and their families.

The Sanibel Lion’s Club will be serving up its famous pancakes from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sanibel Community House with all proceeds benefiting LARC, Inc. Since 1954, the Fort Myers-based organization has been providing opportunities in the community to help Lee County residents with developmental disabilities achieve an independent, dignified and responsible lifestyle.

“The islanders are warm and generous people than can be counted on to support and encourage the best in their community,” said Roger Bradley, executive director of LARC.

The Lion’s Club hosted its first pancake breakfast in 2009 to help raise money for the Florida Lions Camp, based in Lake Wales. Chartered in December 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Lion’s Club has been dedicated to helping the less fortunate and active in organizing several large fundraising events like its pancake breakfasts — to support various charitable organizations.

“The Lion’s Club has been very successful with this event in the past,” noted former Lion’s Club president Tom Hoover about the breakfast.

For a $5 donation (children 5 years old and younger eat at no charge), you can enjoy flapjacks and bacon with a beverage of your choice. For those who prefer to enjoy breakfast at home, carry out will be available.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the community house next weekend and hope they bring big appetites,” Hoover said.

The Lion’s Club offers the opportunity to give something back to the community by being involved in projects as local as cleaning up the area park or working to bring sight to the world’s blind. In July, the club announced it had set a record by raising more than $80,000 for various charities and charitable causes like LARC. In 2010, the club sponsored more than 18 different causes staying true to their mission to serve.

“The Sanibel-Lion’s Club has jumped in with both feet to help people with disabilities live a productive and satisfying life,” said Bradley. “We’re grateful to the islanders.”

The Lion’s Club also holds a pancake breakfast every April to raise money solely for the Lion’s Summer Camp Scholarship. In addition, it hosts an annual golf tournament in January; an arts and crafts fair in March; and sells Christmas trees in December. In November 2010, the club hosted its inaugural fish fry to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs, an organization that provides skilled guide dogs to the visually impaired.

“We are hoping to see everyone in our community turn out to eat some great pancakes and support another great cause,” Hoover said.

Load the car up with family or friends and drive to the Sanibel Community House, located at 2173 Periwinkle Way, between 8 a.m. and noon Sept. 3 for a fulfilling breakfast. Bailey’s General Store, Sun Harvest Citrus, Lily & Co. Jewelers, Island Pharmacy, Island Graphics, Barefoot Charley’s, Sanibel Air Conditioning and Sanctuary Island Electric, Sanibel-Captiva Community Bank and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings are sponsoring the event.

For more information on LARC, visit its web site at www.larcleecounty.org. To learn about the Sanibel-Captiva Lion’s Club, visit its web site at www.sanibelcaptivalions.org.

The Islander would like to extend a thank you to Marsha Kimbell, owner of Giggles at Chadwick’s Square on Captiva, for the use of the adorable stuffed lions in this week’s cover photo.