The 15th Annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser was held at Spoon River College in Canton on October 30. It was hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity, which is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.
This year’s event raised $610, which will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Aden Greene of Canton was the winner of the pancake eating contest, earning him a $50 gas card that was donated by Student Services. SRC employee Mike Strauman was the winner of the 50/50 drawing, which he donated back.
The event was originally created to aid long-time SRC employee Bette Dye with medical expenses after she was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Dye lost her battle with cancer on September 19, 2010, just 11 days after the second fundraiser was held.
“I worked with Bette for eleven years, and she served many pancakes to my students during that time,” said Todd Thompson, Diesel and Power Systems Technology instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “She cared about all the students and made it a point to know them by name, and would ask about them even after they had graduated.”
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, to Performance Food Group for donating the sausage, to Student Services for donating the gift card, and to the SRC River Roast Café for the donation of beverages, pancake batter, and their assistance,” said Thompson.