Firefighters from East Pierce Fire and Rescue raised $8,500 at the 14th annual pancake feed Dec. 5 at the Sumner fire station.

Firefighters served pancakes, ham, coffee and orange juice, while Santa made his rounds and chatted with girls and boys of all ages.

Music was provided by the Victor Falls Elementary School choir under the direction of Mark Edgbert.

A silent auction, featuring items donated by local businesses, was available during the event.

“We would like to thank all of the volunteers – both past and present – who helped make the pancake feed such a success,” said East Pierce Firefighter-Paramedic Rex Orcutt, who along with his wife Cindy, organized this year’s event.

The money raised will purchase Christmas gifts for needy children in the Sumner-Bonney Lake area.

The firefighters also raised $720 for the families of the Lakewood police officers who were killed Nov. 29.