Pancakes are a notorious breakfast staple that have evolved into a warm point of gathering for many. For a Sevier County non-profit organization, however, a pancake dinner will bring far more than a syrup covered stack to the table.
On April 19, Sevier County Partners in Progress will be hosting a pancake dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event, set to be hosted at Flapjacks on 1016 Parkway in Sevierville, will be open to anyone who wishes to attend and will feature an all-you-can eat pancake service.
Partners in Progress has been serving the Sevier County education system since 2016. As an organization geared toward providing financial assistance and grants for high school students, PIP is a scholarship fund set to support the further education endeavors for students wishing to pursue a four-year degree at East Tennessee State University in Sevierville.
The scholarship program also provides assistance to individuals currently enrolled in the Sevier County school system who wish to take dual-enrollment courses through Walter’s State Community College. Once a student has graduated and successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours at WSCC, they are eligible to receive up to $2,000 per semester through PIP for 4 consecutive semesters.
“From Fall 2016 through Spring 2022, including dual enrollment payments, PIP has awarded $923,000 in scholarships to young people in Sevier County,” said Janice Bettis, executive director of Sevier County Partners in Progress. “We currently have 14 of our graduates teaching in the school system.”
Though this is the first year for the pancake fundraiser, students who currently are receiving scholarships from PIP are excited to help serve dinner and sell tickets and are joined by some students that have graduated from Sevier County. Tickets are $5 for all the pancakes you can eat, bacon or sausage and drinks and will also feature an auction in order to raise extra funds for PIP.
“Our goal from the dinner is to add more money to our scholarship account for our students,” said Bettis. “The more students we can help further their education, the better.”
