One week from today, IHOP Restaurants 12th annual day of giving, National Pancake Day, is scheduled to kick off—and for one day only, the humble, delicious pancake will serve a much bigger purpose. As part of its celebration, IHOP has partnered with three inspiring charities—Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children—with the goal of raising $3.5 million for finding cures and eradicating life-threatening diseases affecting children and families everywhere.
On March 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m—with select locations participating until 10 p.m. —guests can receive a free short stack of the brand’s world-famous, freshly made buttermilk pancakes at IHOP Restaurants coast to coast. In return, guests are asked to help make a difference by leaving a donation of any size on-check or in-restaurant with all funds going to the charity partners’ local hospital affiliate.
The most anticipated Breakfastarian event of the year, IHOP National Pancake Day is the brand’s signature day of giving and underscores its longstanding commitment to helping families create more moments together. This year, IHOP expects to serve a record-breaking five million pancakes in a single day.
“IHOP and our franchisees are honored to partner with leading non-profit organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children for our National Pancake Day event and help fight serious childhood illnesses,” says Darren Rebelez, president, IHOP Restaurants. “Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity. Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities.”
Since launching in 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has become a pop-culture phenomenon with millions of guests and communities helping IHOP and its franchisees raise $24 million to-date for youth health and wellness organizations. All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day stays local and directly helps children in need.
To further amplify IHOP National Pancake Day efforts, the brand has joined with leading global service organization, Kiwanis International, and has inked an agreement that makes the non-profit the official volunteer partner for this year’s event. Thousands of Kiwanis Club and Key Club members, along with local hospital volunteers, are expected to turn out at IHOP restaurants nationwide on event day to support fundraising efforts.
Now through March 7, guests visiting any IHOP restaurant in the U.S. can help reach the ambitious $3.5 million goal by purchasing a “Wall Icon” to publicly pledge support or donate on check. Select IHOP restaurants will be offering a discount coupon that can be used on a future visit with the purchase of a Wall Icon.**
In addition to restaurants throughout the United States, IHOP restaurants in Mexico, Canada and the Philippines will also celebrate National Pancake Day on March 7. For the fourth consecutive year, funds raised in Canada will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. IHOP locations in Mexico will once again raise money for Asociación Mexicana de Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer (AMANC). And, funds raised by IHOP restaurants in the Philippines will benefit The Kythe Foundation.
