Charlie Eberly, member of the Charleston Rotary Club, began organizing a breakfast in 1999 in hopes of discouraging students from Saturday morning partying during Homecoming Week.

“I literally joined Rotary to establish the pancake breakfast,” Eberly said. “I wanted to provide an alternative to beer breakfast on Seventh Street.”

Eberly was shocked to find students drinking alcohol early in the morning.

“I came to Eastern in 1987 as a faculty member from another campus, and beer breakfast has been going on long before that,” he said. “I was amazed at such an event.”

Although Eberly said he was nervous the first time he set up the pancake breakfast, it was a success.

“I felt like we took a really big risk,” he said. “But if you build it, they will come. And it’s been very pleasing.”

Usually about 600 people attend the event, which helps raise about $2,500 a year. The money is donated to the Charleston School District.

Each child receives a hard copy of the self-esteem book, “I Like Me.” Volunteer Charleston Rotary members read the book to the students.

The members go to each of the kindergarten classes and give them a book that includes the child’s name, the teacher’s name and the student’s friends’ names.

“It’s a lot of fun, and makes kids enjoy reading,” said Steve Daniels, director of community service of Charleston Rotary Club.

Daniels said many of the members volunteer because of the social aspect.

“People actually really enjoy flipping the pancakes and they get to see a lot of the community members who come by,” he said. “It’s very enjoyable.”

Pancakes, coffee, milk, orange juice and sausage are served during the event.

Brian Little, Charleston Rotary Club member, said about 500 to 1,000 people attends the event depending on weather.

“People come out eat and get a good spot for the parade,” he said.

Besides the Charleston Rotary Club, Sigma Epsilon and the Homecoming Committee help make the breakfast possible.

“The students’ helping is the biggest thing because they are out donating their time during their homecoming while they could be recovering from the night before or out having a good time,” Little said.

Rotary breakfast

When: Saturday

Time: 6 a.m. to noon

Where: Corner of Seventh and Lincoln, Dominos parking lot

Cost: $5 adults and $3 children under 12