About 600 neighbors and friends gathered at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 86 on May 9 to start the day with a hearty meal for a worthy cause. The Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast served up all-you-can-eat flapjacks, eggs, sausage, fruit and refreshing drinks, along with plenty of fun for the whole family, while showing appreciation for local first responders. The event’s robust turnout, combined with strong support from volunteers and sponsors, allowed the Chamber to donate more than $7,000 each to Station 86 and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
“The heart of the matter is that we are doing this in service of Fire Station 86 and all the firefighters serving our community,” Chamber president Corrie Sommers says. “We deeply understand how important their work is and the unique challenges they face. In an era when the State of California and City of Los Angeles continue to defund the fire budget, our station — one of the oldest in L.A. — needs our support.”
And with the unprecedented wildfires that devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena last year, area residents are well aware of what’s at stake and even more grateful to the men and women of the LAFD. “We have seen them in action,” Sommers adds. “We’ve seen their response time. We know they are sacrificing to keep us safe.”
The morning featured a fire-themed kids’ zone with arts, crafts and fun activities, including photo opportunities with mascot Sparky, station tours, an up-close look at fire engines and equipment, and even the chance for children to get their hands on a fire hose and practice battling imaginary blazes. Among the special guests were the LAFD’s therapy mini-horses, a huge hit with attendees of all ages.
Sommers credits increased volunteer participation for the breakfast’s especially smooth operation, organization and positive energy, thanks to helpers rallied by board member Cathryn Farnsworth. She was part of the planning committee chaired by incoming vice president Tigran Grigoryan, which also included Tim Hawkins, Diane McCreary and Reverend Jefferson Becker. Sommers and CFO Shannon Hartman procured items for the auction and raffle, while past board member and previous committee chair Brian Veskosky of Red Maple generously provided the food. Sommers emphasizes that the event also would not have been possible without its many local sponsors.
“Seeing the community come out in support and longstanding business owners and residents pitching in to cook and serve is part of the beauty of this event,” she says. “We are so thankful for everyone’s contributions, including our business members, residents and the community.”