On Feb. 24, Jill’s Country Cafe, in tandem with the International House of Pancakes’ nationwide fundraiser for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, gave away short stacks of pancakes to all customers. In turn, customers could make a donation to Shriners International.Jill’s Country Cafe owner Jill Bennett said she became involved with the fundraiser through several of her regular customers who are members of Shriners International. Bennett said they wanted to bring the fundraiser to Falcon, but without an IHOP in the area, they turned to her cafe.”It was such a big hit last year we decided to do it again” Bennett said. This year was no different. Bennett said she served more than 70 plates of pancakes throughout the day. In addition to the free pancakes, some of the Shriners shared information about the organization and the hospitals and also provided clowns and balloon animals for entertainment.Dr. Ralph Hathaway, staff physician at the Shriners Hospitals and Al Kaly Shrine public relations liaison, said the money raised through Jill’s Cafe will be donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Hathaway said the hospital network comprises 22 hospitals nationwide, specializing in orthopedics, severe burns and spinal cord injuries. Transportation to the hospitals and the care received is at no charge to children up to 18 years.The Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the closest to Colorado. The Salt Lake hospital specializes in orthopedics.Shriners Hospitals offer a free screening clinic to children who need services, Hathaway said. The Colorado Springs Shrine Club hosts the local clinic, which is held the second Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, at 6 S. 33rd Street.
