Back in 1959, while members were looking for a way to raise money for an ambitious series of youth and community service projects, somebody came up with a simple idea: Pancake Day. Members cook up all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, these days utilizing the First United Methodist Church kitchen. If a thousand or more people show up, a not uncommon occurrence, the profits roll in. And if people buy tickets and don't show up -- they're basically just making a contribution -- the day is even more profitable.

So profitable that the Arlington Kiwanis Club has invested more than half a million dollars over the past half-century in an assortment of benevolent and educational causes.

For information about pancakes, call (817)496-1535. For information about Kiwanis, call the new 2006-07 President, Rodney Copenhaver at (817)801-6146 or the club Secretary, Susan Miller at (817) 412-5740.

Arlington Kiwanis meet each Wednesday at noon at the First Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St, Arlington, TX 76010