KU Press Release: Engineering’s Flapjacks for Philanthropy will aid foster care agency

The University of Kansas School of Engineering Self Engineering Leadership Fellows Program will hold its annual Flapjacks for Philanthropy pancake feed from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the LEEP2 McClendon Atrium.

This year’s beneficiary, selected from a pool of applicants by SELF Fellows, is the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association (MFCAA), headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Its mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for “abused and neglected children and the families caring for them.”

“We chose MFCAA because of its focus on the community,” said SELF Fellow and chemical engineering sophomore Lauren Pickens. “A lot of the time, foster kids don’t get the same support systems as kids who have families they were born into.”

Flapjacks for Philanthropy offers the SELF Program an opportunity to raise money for a charity and give back to the community.

“The SELF Program really supports us. You need a good, strong program and community to create successful engineers and successful people,” said SELF Fellow and chemical engineering sophomore Bridgette Befort. “By doing this charity, we are able to give money to a group that is going to help children and eventually create more leaders in the world.”

Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door. Advance tickets are available from SELF Fellows by calling 785-864-3881 or by stopping by the Engineering Student Success Suite, LEEP2, Room 1415.

Kansas City-based Chris Cakes will cater the event with their signature pancake batter. Sausage, coffee and orange drink will also be provided.

This marks the ninth year for Flapjacks for Philanthropy. To date, the program has raised more than $15,000 for various charities. Past beneficiaries include DCCCA, GaDuGi SafeCenter, the Willow Domestic Violence Center and Heartland Community Health Center.