Flapjacks for Philanthropy to benefit Willow Domestic Violence Center

LAWRENCE — A tasty breakfast for a good cause will be served up this week at the University of Kansas School of Engineering. Flapjacks for Philanthropy, an annual fundraiser sponsored by the SELF Engineering Leadership Fellows Program, is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, in Eaton Hall.

This year’s beneficiary is the Willow Domestic Violence Center, a nonprofit based in Lawrence that provides crisis support, emergency shelter, counseling and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. A committee of SELF Fellows selected the Willow Domestic Violence Center from several nonprofits that applied to be this year’s beneficiary.

“I think giving back to the community is important. It’s good to help those less fortunate who can truly benefit from this,” said Rachel Bender, a sophomore chemical engineering major in the SELF Program who is overseeing the event. “Organizing the event also provides our SELF cohort with an opportunity to gain experience in planning, leadership and management.”

Tickets are available for $5 in advance and can be purchased from any SELF Fellow or in the School of Engineering Dean’s Office, or $6 at the door the day of the event. The pancakes are served with style by Chris Cakes. Sausage links, orange drink and coffee are also provided.

This is the eighth Flapjacks for Philanthropy event. Previous beneficiaries include DCCCA, GaDuGi SafeCenter and Heartland Community Health Center. More than $13,000 has been raised for charity through the effort.

The SELF Program is a leadership enrichment program for students in the KU School of Engineering. It strives to build skills in leadership, entrepreneurship and communication in an effort to help graduates become leaders in business and industry.