In the Beginning:

Over thirty years ago, a group of guys from Columbia began meeting at a place called the Rising Sun Hotel at the corner of Lancaster Avenue and Cherry Street (the location is now Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen).

They called themselves the Sunsnappers, a combination of the name of the place where they met and the food they ate while together, snapper soup. They paid $1 per week for dues, money that was put toward the Pennsylvania Lottery. The club officially formed February 14, 1978.

The group took a trip to a Penn State football game the first year they formed. Attending Penn State football games is still a tradition for the Sunsnappers, who have since traveled to many parts of the country to see their favorite team play.

Over time, what began as a social club has evolved into an organization that gives an enormous amount of time and money back to the community. Although there are numerous organizations that benefit the surrounding area, the Sunsnappers are one of a kind.

A History of Giving:

In its first year as a club the Sunsnappers contributed to their first community organization, the Meals on Wheels program in Columbia. Today, the Sunsnappers continue this annual donation and have added numerous other organizations to their list of annual donations.

The group has continued to donate its time and leadership to community events, including teaming with the Lions Club to take over sponsorship of the annual Mardi Gras Halloween Parade. The group is essential in helping with the annual Christmas Basket Giveaway. They were instrumental in the donation of time and effort to build a new press box at Columbia High School in 2001. The Sunsnappers also provided a major donation to the Noah Wenger Center for the Columbia Boys Athletic Association.

The Current Organization:

The Sunsnappers stopped meeting at the Sun when former owner Bill Lutz sold the business. They now meet in the basement of the Elk's Lodge or at the homes of members in the summertime. Each summer a family picnic is also held. During those meetings, the members have a meal, socialize, and discuss donations and future projects.

The Sunsnappers began with 40 members. This number stays about the same, based on tradition, because that was the number of people who could fit on a bus for a Penn State game. There are currently 50 members, with a waiting list of approximately 20 people. A current member must a sponsor prospective member, and prospective members must be voted into membership.