The Kiwanis Club of Pullman will host a virtual Christmas event Dec. 5, including a narration of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Glenn Johnson.

This is Kiwanis’ 62nd annual pancake breakfast and music fest event, said Kiwanis President Francis Benjamin. 

The organization will use the funds from the auction and pancake meal packages to support local food banks, pantries and refurbish used musical instruments, Benjamin said. 

People will be able to purchase the pancake meal packages on the website. The packages will be shipped to their homes after the event, he said. Options include chocolate pancakes, as well as steak and eggs.

Purchasing a meal package is not required but is appreciated because it supports all of Kiwanis’ work in the community, Benjamin said. Virtual meal purchases will also include a door prize.

Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School students will also perform at the event, said Larry Clark, Pullman Kiwanis Club member.

The genres of music featured include jazz, holiday and choral music, Clark said.

Regional Theatre of the Palouse and local jazz musician Greg Yasinitsky will also be performing at the music fest, Benjamin said. 

The auction will include gift certificates from local Pullman businesses including the Daily Grind, The Old European and Merry Cellars Winery, he said.

“There are also some really interesting donations this year,” Clark said. “There is an original animation cel from Winnie the Pooh, as well as some high-end purses and bags people have donated.”

The auction has about 50 items that are listed on the Kiwanis website, Clark said. The silent auction begins Saturday and remains open for a week. 

Benjamin said there are fewer sponsors this year because it has been difficult for small businesses to donate due to COVID-19. 

The Pullman Regional Hospital, the Washington Trust and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories are sponsoring the event, Clark said.

People can join the fundraiser on YouTube from 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5.