By Don Ketchum

Looking to spread some good cheer and hope for the holidays?

How about participating in the Pancakes for Bemis event?

On Monday (Dec. 19), folks will gather from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the First Watch restaurant in Scottsdale, 16455 N. Scottsdale Road.

Pancakes are free, but donations also are being sought to help Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep football and girls soccer coach Scot Bemis, who was diagnosed earlier this fall with stage 4 lung cancer. Bemis also is a teacher at the school.

The event also will feature a visit from Santa Claus and offer an opportunity for families to have photos taken for a montage for the Bemis family.

The primary support group is Team Bemis, which provides financial, emotional and spiritual assistance to Bemis and his family. Bemis currently is on a leave of absence from the school.

Students, athletes, alumni and friends already are supporting Bemis, and a Web site has been created, www.teambemis.com , which provides information on future fundraisers and having a place to write words of encouragement. Approximately 2,700 people have “liked’’ Bemis’ Facebook page.

First Watch opened its first location in central Phoenix in 1986 and has grown to four locations, offering breakfast and lunch items.