A benefit will be held this weekend to help raise funds for Special Populations programs.

A pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8-11 a.m., at the Frieda B. Smith Special Populations Center located at 410 Santa Barbara Blvd. Pancakes, sausage links, orange juice, coffee and tea will be served for those in attendance.

Laurie Wolfe, recreation specialist, said so far they have about 150 tickets out for the fund-raiser. She said they decided to do tickets for the first pancake breakfast because it is easier than handling cash that morning.

The Guardian Angels for Special Populations, a non-profit organization, are asking for donations of $5 for adults and $3 for kids between the ages of 4-10 years old. Kids under 3 years old are free. Wolfe said tickets will be available until 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

To purchase a ticket call 239-574-0574.

Twinkle Toes the Clown will create latex balloon animals for the children from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday. A free drawing will also be held during the fund-raiser.

Individuals with developmental disabilities in Lee County have received services through Special Populations for 32 years. Recreation, education, adult day training, employment training and evening and after school special events are held for adults and children are offered through Special Populations.

The mission statement for Special Populations is “to promote independence for persons with developmental disabilities through exposure, education and experience in a safe, caring environment.”