Sunday Morning: Freddie's Friends Pancake Breakfast

If you're a fan of pancakes and good causes, Sunday is your lucky day.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the (848 Post Rd.) is hosting a pancake breakfast to benefit 28-year-old Freddie Tuccinardi, a honorary volunteer firefighter with the DFD and a familiar face to many around town.

Freddie, cheerful spirit who works part-time at and , has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk. 

Because his electric wheelchair weighs some 300 pounds, getting around is a major challenge for Freddie and his mother, Judy. Their SUV isn't able to accommodate the electric wheelchair, and it's difficult for Freddie to wheel himself around.

But the Darien Lions Club and the town's three fire departments have teamed up to change that, with the goal of raising $50,000 to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van.

Sunday's breakfast is one part of that effort. The cost of the event $5.00 (no tickets required), and all money donated will go directly to purchasing the van. Palmer's is donating the food for the event.

The Lions Club is also holding a Freddie's Friends family picinic at the Bridgeport  Bluefish Game on Sunday, July 10. Those wishing to attend should contact Tom Bauder (tombauder@aol.com, 203-655-2521) in advance for tickets.

General donations for Freddie can be made online at www.darienctlionsclub.org or addressed to: Darien Lions Club, P.O. Box 144, Darien, CT 06820.