The Turbeville Ruritan Club will host its annual Valentine’s Pancake Supper on Thursday, Feb. 12, inviting the community to enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal while supporting local students and honoring a lasting legacy.
The supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and the menu includes pancakes, sausage and grits. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the club’s scholarship fund, which awards financial assistance to graduating students in the East Clarendon community.
In addition, a portion of the evening’s proceeds will support an effort to name the East Clarendon practice field in memory of Sarah Monica “Muff” McFaddin, a longtime Ruritan member and dedicated supporter of East Clarendon athletics. A contribution jar will also be available for those who wish to donate directly toward the proposed “Muff McFaddin Practice Facility.”
McFaddin, a 1982 honor graduate and student athlete at East Clarendon High School, was inducted into the East Clarendon High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2025. After graduating from Winthrop University, she worked for the United States Postal Service for 35 years before returning to Turbeville in retirement. She remained deeply involved in East Clarendon athletics, particularly softball, where her mentorship and commitment helped shape generations of student athletes.
As a longtime Turbeville Ruritan Club member, McFaddin volunteered countless hours at the club’s bi-annual pancake suppers, which help fund scholarships for East Clarendon High School seniors.
Club leaders said the fundraiser has become one of their most anticipated events of the year, combining fellowship with meaningful community impact. Last year’s pancake supper generated enough funds to provide every teacher at East Clarendon Middle/High School and Walker-Gamble Elementary School with a $20 gift card as a gesture of appreciation.
“This event allows us to give back directly to the schools and students we serve,” said Jennifer Powell, president of the Turbeville Ruritan Club. “This year, we’re excited to focus our efforts on growing our scholarship fund and continuing that support for local graduates.”
The Turbeville Ruritan Club currently has 15 members and is led by Powell, Vice President John Chavis, and Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Spigner. Founded to promote fellowship, goodwill and community service, the club has served the East Clarendon community since 1951 as part of Ruritan National, a rural service organization with chapters across the United States.
In addition to the pancake supper, the club remains active throughout the year with service projects and outreach. In August 2025, members hosted a school supply drive that provided classrooms at Walker-Gamble Elementary School and East Clarendon Middle/High School with bags of essential supplies, including disinfecting spray, wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels and facial tissues.
Club leaders said they are always looking to grow their membership and welcome new faces who want to make a difference locally.
“We are actively trying to expand our membership,” Powell said. “Anyone interested in joining can reach out to any member — we’d love to welcome you.” Those interested may also message the club on Facebook or call 803-825-1171.
Tickets for the Valentine’s Pancake Supper will be available at the door. Organizers encourage residents to come hungry, bring family and friends, and support a fundraiser that continues the club’s tradition of service in East Clarendon.
