The Manhasset-Port Washington Kiwanis Club and local Schreiber High School and Manhasset High School Key Clubs rolled up their sleeves and donned aprons at the Manhasset IHOP restaurant to cook up one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in celebration of the brand’s annual National Pancake Day on March 8.
In its 11th year, IHOP restaurants gave away millions of free pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurants asked guests to leave behind a voluntary donation for their local charities—this includes Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Shriners Hospital for Children and other local charities.
In what has become a cultural phenomenon over the past 10 years, National Pancake Day raised $20 million for local charities.
Last year alone, IHOP restaurants served 6.6 million free pancakes—which would have created a stack nearly 19 miles high. IHOP raised $3.5 million for children’s charities, specifically.
“Every pancake we give away has a purpose on National Pancake Day. Through the generosity of our guests and the hard work and commitment of our franchisees and their team members, we will help fund lifesaving treatment and care for children in need,” said Darren Rebelez, president of International House of Pancakes, LLC. “On behalf of everyone in the IHOP family, we are so grateful to our guests who have turned this into such an incredible event that truly makes a difference in the lives of these kids.”
Prior to National Pancake Day, participating IHOP restaurants supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by selling Miracle Balloons for $1 and $5. Guests who purchased a $5 Miracle Balloon received a $5 discount coupon for their next visit to IHOP.
