[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               30TH ANNIVERSARY OF PANCAKES ON THE PLAZA

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
30th anniversary of Pancakes on the Plaza, an annual fundraising event 
hosted by the United Way of Santa Fe County in my home state of New 
Mexico. Pancakes on the Plaza not only raises money but brings people 
together as New Mexicans from all walks of life volunteer side-by-side 
to make a difference in Santa Fe County.
  Each July 4 on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, hundreds of volunteers 
prepare and serve pancakes to thousands of attendees whose 
contributions to United Way directly benefit residents of Santa Fe 
County.
  Pancakes on the Plaza has been held in Santa Fe each Fourth of July 
since 1975, building on traditional annual festivities that date back 
to the 1920's. The Santa Fe Plaza is an appropriate location for this 
event as it has historically been a multi-cultural gathering place 
highlighting the unique diversity within the Northern New Mexico 
community. Pancakes on the Plaza is a celebration of the American 
spirit of generosity, volunteerism and community-building that raises 
money to help foster independence for underserved individuals and 
families of Santa Fe County.
  To pull off an event of this scale takes an enormous amount of 
collaboration: Three 15 by 60 foot tents for cooking and serving 
pancakes; twelve pancakes cooks per tent, flipping cakes on 12 stoves 
per tent; two batter transporters per tent, per shift; two tent 
captains per tent, per shift; six Army Reservists taking batter from 
refrigerated trucks to cook tents; twelve batter mixers; two ham and 
vegetarian sausage cooks per tent, per shift; four fruit, butter and 
syrup servers per tent, per shift; four beverage servers per tent, per 
shift to pour milk, juice and coffee; two milk and juice runners per 
tent, per shift to rush cold beverages from the trucks to the tents; 
three refrigerated truck workers per shift to relay ham, vegetarian 
sausage, juice, milk, butter and batter transporters; two ticket takers 
per tent, per shift; six stage crewmembers; twelve Girl Scouts to keep 
the Plaza and table neat and clean; eighteen crew members to set up and 
break down tents and stoves.
  And, of course, a massive amount of goods comes together to serve 
10,000 breakfasts: 2,500 pounds of pancake batter; 4,000 pints of milk 
(regular and chocolate); 300 gallons of fresh-squeezed juice; 100 
pounds of locally-roasted gourmet coffee; 600 pounds of fruit; 300 
pounds of butter; 3,000 pieces of vegetarian sausages; 1,000 pounds of 
ham; 14,000 place settings; 12,000 cups; 20,000 packets of sugar and 
artificial sweetener; 20,000 packets of syrup.
  The United Way of Santa Fe County fulfills the mission of ``creating 
lasting change in chronic community conditions'' with events such as 
Pancakes on the Plaza which fund specific programs that target health, 
learning and self-sufficiency. Yet Pancakes on the Plaza is more than 
just a fundraiser, this event also features the diverse music, art and 
crafts unique to Northern New Mexico with many activities for children 
and families. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the annual July 4th 
United Way of Santa Fe County Pancakes on the Plaza.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that I have participated in Pancakes 
on the Plaza for several years now. This United Way event raises much 
needed money for social programs while building community, enhancing 
lives and creating opportunities in Santa Fe County. Northern New 
Mexico is a place rich in history and steeped in tradition and I am 
fortunate to be a part of such wonderful programs as Pancakes on the 
Plaza.

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