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Date: 7/17/2015
WESTFIELD – The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce took a break from its usual business to flip pancakes on July 9.
At the organization’s 38th annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, more than 700 people were served, according the Executive Director Kate Phelon. This was a record turnout, she said.
The event took place at South Middle School for the fifth year, after moving from the city green due to construction.
“It’s worked out just fabulously,” Phelon said of the move.
The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and Phelon said the money raised helps to put on programs, which benefit chamber members and local businesses.
“It’s a very important fundraiser in the sense that we are able to continue our mission and programming that we want to do for our members. We do a lot of workshops for our members for free,” Phelon said. “The money is not specifically earmarked for any particular number for the chamber, but it is definitely needed.”
Phelon said the final amount of money raised has not be calculated.
Aside from the Pancake Breakfast helping the Chamber of Commerce with its mission, Phelon said it brings the community together for a family-friendly event. In addition to breakfast being served, there was entertainment, face painting and the Westfield Fire Department brought a fire engine for the children.
“This is the event that’s put on by the Chamber of Commerce that brings the community together with the business community,” Phelon said. “Even though chamber events are open to the public, this really ties the community with the business sector of the chamber because have our chamber members that have tables to showcase their business to the community, which they might not even know about. They can get some information about businesses.”
The support of the community for the pancake breakfast and year round only helps the Chamber of Commerce, especially those who sponsored the event, Phelon said.
“I don’t think they would do it unless they are pleased with the Chamber,” she said.
For more information about the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, visit http://www.westfieldbiz.org/.