As we invite the public to again come out and support our friend, it seemed like a proper time to thank everyone for their support.

Since Herald reporter Jenae Hackensmith, 24, underwent surgery for brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on April 25, the Herald has received an outpouring of support from people in the community. And we’re simply the carriers who pass on letters, warm wishes and prayers to her husband, Jordan, and her family.

As we sat down to pen this piece on our friend, we received yet another letter addressed to the Herald with a note and a check to support her and her family as she continues her recovery.

“Thank you for the wonderful articles you wrote about our daughter,” the person wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” she continued.

So before we invite you to help out in another way, we thank the community for its support and warm wishes.

Next up, the Austin Masonic Lodge, 303-A N. Main St., is hosting a pancake feed from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday to support Jenae and her family.

We can’t take credit for the pancake feed. It was the Masons idea; we’ve just been helping by shamelessly promoting it. Thanks to the Masons for organizing the fundraiser.

The meal will feature pancakes, bacon, sausage, juice, milk and coffee.

In addition to the meal, Adams couple Kevin and Jill Sathre will sell pure maple syrup to help Jenae and her family.

Though syrup and condiments will be provided as part of the Saturday meal, the Sathres will sell 48 bottles of pure Hering’s Maple Syrup during the event for $10 a bottle for people to take home as part of an additional donation.

Kevin and business partner Josh Loecher collected 35,750 gallons of sap this year through their maple syrup operation north of Adams. Their sap is bottled and sold by Hering’s.

All the proceeds from the maple syrup sales will go to Jenae and her family. To buy a bottle before or after the pancake feed, contact Brenda Landherr at 507-438-1151.

Jenae wrote a feature story on the Sathres’ syrup operation for the May-June edition of Austin Living, which is produced by the Herald.

So thanks again for supporting our friend, and we hope to see you for pancakes and coffee on Saturday.

Pancake fundraiser

What: Pancake fundraiser for Herald reporter Jenae Hackensmith and her family.

Where: Austin Masonic Lodge, 303-A N. Main St., is hosting a pancake feed

When: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 4

Cost: Tickets for the breakfast can be bought for $5 from any Mason member or at the Austin Daily Herald, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, and at the door.

You can also support Jenae and her family by going to www.gofundme.com/2bj4pz9y.