Villagers flocked to RJ Gators restaurant on Saturday morning for the annual Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Kids, Cops & Christmas Pancake Breakfast, setting a record for the program’s largest turnout.
A total of 330 people came out for the event.
As the line formed outside of the restaurant in Lake Sumter Landing, many cars drove by RJ Gators to drop of their used or expired prescription medications, which Lt. Robert Siemer and his deputies collected for Operation Medicine Cabinet. The program ensures that the medicine is disposed of properly.
Started by Sam and Nadine Landis of the Village of Poinciana, the breakfast has been an ongoing annual event and has raised money for the SCSO Kids, Cops, and Christmas program.
“We’ve had more people than we ever had! We have people seated at the bar, we never had to do that before,” said Nadine Landis, catching her breath from running back and forth.
Restaurant staff and volunteers worked relentlessly, serving patrons and purchasing more food and orange juice when supply ran low. The restaurant was packed and lively, as people chatted away, eating their meals.
“It’s incredible, Villagers are so generous,” Nadine Landis said.
The donation for breakfast was set at $6, but most attendees paid much more than that out generosity for the cause.
Bruce and Sandy Blackburn of the Village of Summerhill were among the hundreds of supporters who enjoyed their breakfast, talking with friends.
“We’ve done this before,” said Bruce Blackburn.
“It’s a wonderful program and it’s great to help,” his wife added.
Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Manager at the Annex at Morse Boulevard and County Road 466 Theresa Cooper was pleased with the turnout.
“I’d like to thank all of the volunteers that helped, friends and neighbors, as well as staff members of the annex that came out and helped,” she said.
