Chicago Community Unites for Pancake Breakfast to Fund Police Vests

The 12th annual pancake breakfast, hosted by Alderman Matt O’Shea of the 19th Ward, is set to take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at St. John Fisher Elementary School. The event aims to raise funds to provide Chicago police officers with essential bulletproof vests, contributing to the ongoing efforts of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest initiative.

Since its inception in 2014, this breakfast has successfully raised over $800,000 to support the purchase of new vests for officers. The foundation notes that vests typically require replacement every five years, with the cost burden falling on the officers themselves, averaging at least $500 each. To date, the foundation has invested over $6.4 million and replaced nearly 15,000 vests, with plans to replace an additional 1,000 vests in 2026.

Community Support for Local Law Enforcement

Alderman O’Shea emphasized the strong bond between the community and local law enforcement, stating that the 19th Ward boasts a significant number of both active and retired police and fire personnel. “It’s a testament to the community we live in that so many people want to step up and support and protect our Chicago police officers,” he said. “Just as important as raising funds is letting our police officers and their families know that we care.”

The pancake breakfast will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the school located at 10200 S. Washtenaw Ave.. Admission is priced at $5 per person or $25 for families, which includes all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage provided by the Original Pancake House in Beverly. O’Shea acknowledged the Harrigan Family, owners of the Original Pancake House, for their generous donation of batter and sausage, stating, “We couldn’t do it without them. It’s a wonderful partnership.”

Additional Fundraising Opportunities

In addition to the pancake breakfast, there are several other fundraising initiatives planned for the week. On Thursday, March 21, Barraco’s Pizzeria, located at 3047 W. 111th St. in Mount Greenwood, will host a Get Behind the Vest Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The evening will feature guest bartenders, including O’Shea and local officials, with all tips going directly to the vest initiative.

Furthermore, from March 15 to March 22, customers at the Shell Gas Station at 2632 W. 111th St. will contribute to the cause, as five cents of every gallon sold will be donated. Two local businesses, Beverly Bank & Trust and AthleteX, have pledged to match this amount, providing a total of 15 cents per gallon to the initiative. O’Shea plans to be on-site filling gas tanks and washing customer windshields on Friday, March 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, WGN Radio will host a “Vest-A-Thon” on Saturday, March 23, featuring O’Shea and stories from individuals affected by bulletproof vests, including Chicago police officers. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with various prizes awarded to donors.

For more information about the pancake breakfast and other fundraising efforts, visit the 19th Ward website. The community’s strong engagement in these initiatives highlights the ongoing commitment to supporting local law enforcement and ensuring their safety on the job.