Over 200 guests attended the breakfast and benefit within the first two hours. Lion’s Club members were excited with the strong turnout.

Scott Portner was the chairman for the event was pleased with the turnout. He said with every Belgian Waffle breakfast the Lion’s Club tries to benefit a local family. This year, the Lions were supported the Thedens family.

Lafayette resident Aaron Thedens died May 29, 2021 from a non-COVID form of pneumonia that began in fall 2020. Aaron was on a ventilator for three months and transferred from hospital to hospital for rehab and was in and out of the hospital for fluid removal in his last months. Aaron was previously disabled by a heart attack suffered in 2004. The Thedens family was faced with significant medical bills. The breakfast was one measure to help the family. A silent auction and raffle were also organized.

Aaron’s daughter Savannah was pleased 1Awith the turnout for the event. She said they were hoping for 300 people would the breakfast. The event was likely to exceed this number.

The benefit breakfast featured a display with Aaron Thedens' photo.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Thedens family can give to Brenda Thendens at Community Insurance Agency of Lafayette or Citizens Bank of New Ulm.