Pancakes for AIDS

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - At 7001 Granby Street Saturday morning, people showed up to get a hot, healthy breakfast and the opportunity to help a worthy cause. 

It's estimated someone becomes infected with HIV almost every ten minutes, and there are more than 7 thousand people living with HIV/AIDS in Hampton Roads.

WAVY.com went to that Granby Street site for breakfast and we found great volunteers at the Norfolk Masonic Temple Atlantic Lodge #2.   We found Brian Hirschler flipping flap-jacks for a worthy cause.  "Our hearts went out to the children and that's where we are headed," Hirschler said.

For Brian Hirschler it began 20 years ago when he was President of the Wards Corner Business Association, and it continues today, "We just felt for the people stricken with this terrible disease and they needed our support.  The Masons help a lot of worthwhile causes  and this is one we wanted to focus on."

The disease is aids, and Kandis Burnworth is with Access AIDS Care, "75% of our clients are below the poverty line, and that's why our services are so important because otherwise they wouldn't get the services they needed."

So every month the Masons Atlantic Lodge # 2 host this gathering. The menu is simple: pancakes and sausage, all you can eat for $6 bucks.  The cause is great to help those with AIDS and HIV.

A worthwhile cause to help Access AIDS Care in every way possible to provide better service in our community.  The pancake proceeds go to, "food services, transportation services, client services, and  medical services," said Kandis Burnworth with Access AIDS Care.

If you'd like to find out more about Access AIDS Care go to their website at www.accessaids.org . The Masons site is www.masonryofnorfolkva.org .