How A Pancake Eating Contest Became A Fundraiser For Local Kids

On Saturday, April 5th, I had the pleasure of participating in the pancake eating contest for the third time at CNY’s Maple Festival in Marathon. I decided that I wasn't going to be ill for the rest of the day so I ate 11 pancakes in 15 minutes. I wasn't the winner.

2025 Pancake Eating Contestants At CNY Maple Festival

Dawn Pitcher

I want to say "Congratulations" to Patrick Rand, who ate 27 pancakes to take first place as he raised money for the Homer Varsity Boy Wrestlers team. I consider myself a winner because I didn't overeat and I was able to help a great cause.

Winner In Pancake Eating Contest-Patrick Rand-Homer Varsity Boy Wrestlers

Dawn Pitcher

This year, I chose to raise money for The Bridge Community Center in Johnson City. Through generous donations, I was able to raise $493. I delivered the check to The Bridge recently and was able to meet the many kids that these funds will benefit.

Myron Swartz-Southern Tier Lyme

Dawn Pitcher

I also got a tour of the facility and Tara, Keon and their team of volunteers are doing a great job there. I got to peek in on arts and crafts, dance class, gym time and a cooking class.

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I asked the kids what their favorite part of the center was and many of them said the STEM programs. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). It’s a good feeling knowing there is such a great place for area kids in need to go that’s safe, welcoming, and teaching them life skills with great mentors.

Chef Maria - Bridge Community Center

They had just completed a big renovation in their kitchen and dining area and it was fun to have a meal with the kids in their new space. Thank you to everyone who came out to support my pancake eating venture and thank you to everyone who donated to the cause. Here's how you can donate too, if you would like.

Visitors to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Share What Inspired Them

Visitors to the Danny Thomas Pavilion on the grounds of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital were recently asked what inspired them during their visit and these were their answers.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

Have You Seen Them? 11 Kids Went Missing In New York State In February

The following list contains names and faces of 11 children reported missing in February 2025 across New York State. Do you have any information about them or have you seen them recently?

If so, please reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; a private, non-profit 501 corporation whose mission is finding children, reducing child sexual exploitation, and preventing child victimization.

NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.

If you'd like to report information about a missing child to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's 24-hour hotline at 800–THE–LOST (800–843–5678).

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany