BY LORENA PHILLIPS

The smell of syrup and the sound of laughter will soon fill the air. Pancake Day — one of Iredell County’s most beloved traditions — will return to Statesville on Thursday.

This annual event brings together families, neighbors, and supporters for a full day of fun, fellowship, and purpose. Guests can enjoy delicious meals throughout the day, connect with the community, and support the children and programs of the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont. Volunteers, donors, and sponsors are all invited to help make this year’s event the best yet.

Pancake Day will be held from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Statesville Event Center, located at 300 S. Center Street in Statesville. We hope you’ll stop by, meet our team and some of our amazing Club members, and connect with us.

The Club is entering an exciting new chapter under fresh leadership. NaKayla Griffin, who brings 13 years of dedication to the organization, returns as co-CEO. She will oversee operations and compliance. Co-CEO Karah Jean-Gilles, a former Club kid and lifelong youth advocate, will lead the organization’s funding and marketing initiatives. Together, they bring vision, passion, and a deep personal connection to the Club’s mission.

This transition represents growth, opportunity, and the chance to create even more meaningful experiences for the youth we serve.

Pancake Day is more than an all-day breakfast event. It’s a celebration of what we can accomplish together as a community. We invite you to join us, enjoy a delicious meal, meet our kids and team, and see firsthand the impact your support makes.

Together, we can ensure the Club’s mission continues to thrive and make a lasting difference in the lives of children.

Lorena Phillips is the director of resource development for the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.