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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Staying power is important for any annual organization to be successful.

Clanton First United Methodist Church’s Methodist Men group found a sweet spot when it started its Pancake Day 64 years ago.

“I haven’t been there for 64, but I have been there for them since 1964,” Dan Nolen, a long-time volunteer, said.

He can remember when the fundraiser was $1, now it’s $5.

This $5 donation gets attendees all the pancakes and sausage they can eat.

“We have served 1,300 at Pancake Day,” Nolan said. “All of the men in the church chip in to help.”

This year, the event will be held Feb. 12 from 5:30 a.m. to noon in the FUMC activity building.

A lot of preparation goes into making sure the event goes smoothly. Nolen said volunteers come in at midnight to cook the sausage.

“We do that, so it will free the grill for the pancakes,” Nolen said. “We have done it for so long, it is almost automatic for the Methodist Men.”

He said the event helps the men of the church come together and enjoy getting to know each other better.

“The fellowship that we have all working together, it brings us closer together, makes us a real church,” Nolen said of why he still participates.

The FUMC Methodist Men uses the funds raised to help the community. This has included helping children and families in need, local Scouts, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, Christmas gifts and supporting missions.

Tickets are available from any of the Methodist Men, by calling the church at 205-755-0490

or simply paying at the door.