From the left, Kathleen Gaddie, Ryan Chevrolet owner/operator, Penn Gaddie, Hazel Gaddie, John Gaddie, Graham Gaddie, Michael Prough, Jack Prough, Thomas Prough and Mary Prough are shown in this photo.

For the third consecutive year, Ryan Chevrolet continued with an unusual approach to fundraising for cancer patients – its 9th Annual Free Pancake Breakfast/Breast Cancer Awareness event held on Saturday in Minot.

And for the third consecutive year, organizers believe it was a “significant success” and a big win for local cancer survivors and Trinity Health’s Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Program.

This year’s event saw total donations grow from $14,000 in 2021 to more than $16,700, while the number of meals provided through the service drive also increased to more than 500, a growth of more than 20% over 2021. The 2020 iteration — the first to utilize the “Drive-Thru” approach — saw donations exceeding $11,500 with just under 400 served.

Rather than open the showroom for a sit-down breakfast for the public as in years past, Ryan Chevrolet again closed its Service and Parts Department for the day, allowing for a complimentary pancake and sausage breakfast to be served. Volunteers — Ryan Chevrolet employees donating their Saturday morning for a worthy cause — served pancakes, sausage links and orange juice to hundreds of hungry patrons.

“We’re just so proud of the people of Minot for coming out to support this important cause. To see notable increases to both the resources raised and the number of breakfasts served is a strong indicator that we are on to something really good here,” said Ryan Chevrolet owner/operator Kathleen Gaddie. “We look forward to finding new ways to improve and grow even more next year.”

Gaddie is also thankful that for the second year in a row, the local coffee shop, The Station, donated its coffee and employees’ time.

“That was an incredible act of generosity,” said Gaddie. “We are thrilled we were again able to partner with the team at The Station for this important event.”

Gaddie promised an even bigger and better event in 2023.

“We need to find ways to keep the event fresh and interesting,” Gaddie said. “But most importantly we continue to see record turnouts year after year. Minot truly is a generous and warm-hearted community.”