Nearly $1,300 was raised for the Carter Kettner Memorial Fund last night (June 3) at the Colonial Café Penny Pancake Day in Algonquin. Guests consumed 3,150 pancakes, including those in pancake eating contests held in heats throughout the day.

Colonial Café holds annual Penny Pancakes Days at different times of the year for each of its seven Fox Valley locations, with each choosing a deserving not-for-profit or charity. Carter, diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in February 2009, had been looking forward to the event…until he succumbed in late May, age 6.

“We were delighted at the overwhelming support from the community,” said  Carter’s parents, Joe and Cinnamon Kettner of Huntley. Colonial Café Manager Rick Rittgarn said they served 1,450 guests during the day.

“Carter’s strength, courage and bravery helped him to exceed and overcome MANY odds along the way,” said family friend Michelle Domino, who has helped the family organize fundraisers and set up www.carterkettner.org, which kept family and friends updated as Carter struggled valiantly, always in good spirits. “He truly was an amazing little fighter who continues to inspire all of us!” Domino said.

With medical bills having skyrocketed (and continuing to weigh on his parents), The Carter Kettner Fan Club has been holding fundraisers and helping the Kettner family since March, 2009. The money raised is going to help the Kettners with Carter’s medical bills and with the family’s expenses.