A Galesburg nonprofit is teaming up with one of the area’s most unlikely global brands for a community fundraiser — and the combination is already attracting attention far beyond Knox County.
Bridgeway Inc. and Judy’s Family Brands are presenting the Judy’s Pancakes 5K and Fun Run Family Day on Saturday, June 13, at Hawthorne Center in Galesburg. Proceeds benefit Bridgeway’s Adventure Committee, which funds outings and experiences for consumers with disabilities and mental health needs.
How it came together
Alyssa Hart, vice president of disability services at Bridgeway, came up with the idea for a 5K fundraiser and went looking for the right partner. On the advice of Dave and Natalie Dunn of Dave’s Auto Body, who organized the popular Dave’s Auto Body Gator Runs, she sought a big name to anchor the event.
“As I drove away, I thought — Judy,” Hart said.
Victor Dantas, co-owner of Judy’s Family Brands, said the answer was easy. After Hart posted a single promotional reel on Judy’s social media, the event received 20 registrations within 24 hours. A recent Instagram video for the 5K reached more than 414,000 views. A Facebook version topped 220,000.
Debbie Moehler, Alyssa Hart, and Victor Dantas joined Galesburg’s Morning News on Thursday, April 16. Listen to the full interview below.
The Judy’s phenomenon
Judy’s Family Cafe became a global story in August 2024, when a video featuring owner Judy Wang — holding pancakes outside her cafe — surpassed 100 million views across platforms. The brand now has close to one million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook combined, with total views exceeding one billion.
Galesburg’s airport reports eight to 12 small planes landing per month from visitors making the trip specifically to eat at Judy’s. Dantas said people have traveled from every U.S. state, Canada, and Australia.
“Galesburg is the place that welcomed me when I got here with no English,” Dantas said. “We want to make sure people know how great the community is.”
Judy’s Family Cafe is currently under renovation and is expected to reopen around April 28. Judy’s Kitchen is filling the void at 51 N. Prairie St. in downtown Galesburg.
About Bridgeway
Bridgeway Inc. is a nonprofit headquartered in Galesburg with more than 500 employees across the I-74 corridor, including a large facility in the Rockford/Loves Park area. The organization serves individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other life difficulties.
This is Bridgeway’s first fundraiser of this scale.
Where the money goes
Proceeds from the June 13 event go directly to Bridgeway’s Adventure Committee — a fund Hart created to give consumers experiences they rarely have access to.
Last year, the committee took 120 consumers and staff to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, covering charter buses, meals, and tickets. The Cubs organization provided handicap-accessible parking and a visit from Cubby Bear.
“They still talk about it when I show up,” Hart said. “They’re like, ‘Where are we going this year?'”
A Bridgeway consumer will DJ the June 13 event, and consumer art projects will be on display throughout the day.
Event details
The Judy’s Pancakes 5K and Fun Run Family Day runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hawthorne Center in Galesburg.
- 8 a.m. — 5K run
- 9 a.m. — Fun run/walk (one mile, open to all ages)
- 10:30 a.m. — Cornhole tournament, featuring custom bags by local artists Dusty Scott and Sean Anderson
- 8 a.m.–2 p.m. — Food trucks, craft vendors, outdoor games, bounce house, and face painting
Food trucks include Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee, Carnival Delights, and Jalisco Galesburg, along with vendors from outside the area. Admission to the family day festival is free. Registration is required for the 5K, fun run, and cornhole tournament.
Volunteers are also needed. Registration, sponsorship, and volunteer sign-up are all available at raceroster.com.
