National Pancake Day Serves Freebies At IHOP For Children’s Charity

National Pancake Day has become an annual tradition at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP). For the eighth year, IHOP restaurants are offering a free stack of buttermilk pancakes today from 7 am to 10 pm for anyone looking to score a free meal.

According to ABC News, National Pancake Day is typically celebrated on “Fat Tuesday” or the last day before Lent. Legend has it that pancakes were common on Shrove Tuesday because they were an easy way to use up any dairy and eggs before lent (when eating rich foods was frowned upon). This year it occurs on Tuesday, February 12.

IHOP’s National Pancake Day offers a complimentary pancake shortstack, which in IHOP lingo amounts to three pancakes. IHOP makes this offer to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In states where there are no Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the donated money will go to another children’s charity.

According to The Christian Science Monitor, National Pancake Day attempts to keep donated money local so that it benefits those around you:

“Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $10 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 5, 2013, guests from around the country will once again celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals or other designated local charities.”

In 2012, National Pancake Day served up 4 million pancakes and raised $3 million for charity. Over the last eight years IHOP, has raised a combined amount of $10 million.

Do you plan on going to the IHOP National Pancake Day? I know I am. But be ready to wait in long lines because these types of events tend to be packed.

I got a hot date with some free pancakes in the morning. #NationalPancakeDay

— Chelsie Baker (@chelsie_nbaker) February 5, 2013

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