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They came. They saw. They ate pancakes.

Hundreds of locals stacked their plates full Thursday at the Austin Lions Club’s 53rd Annual Pancake Day. Dozens of volunteers served pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, while a raffle and band kept guests entertained.

With help from some donations, the Lions purchased 15, 30-pound cases of pancake mix, 40 cases of sausage, 120 dozen eggs, 150 loaves of bread, 15 cases of syrup, seven gallons of milk, 30 cases of orange juice cups and 17 cases of milk cartons to fend off the hoards of people who attended.

“We’ve had an excellent turnout,” said Charles Mills, Lions Club president.

Though Mark Marreel, Lions Club treasurer, won’t have an official total of how much the event raised for awhile, the club collected about 1,400 tickets at $5 and $6 each.

Mills said the pancake feed raises more than 30 percent of the Lions Club’s funds for the year, which goes toward community needs like eye glasses, diabetes programs, service dogs, tree plantings and house fix-ups.

“We’re really thankful for those that come out and support us,” Marreel said.