National Pancake Day 2012

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At IHOP you can 'come hungry, leave happy'
...by helping others on National Pancake Day

Mardi Gras beads Get ready to chow down at the annual National Pancake Day sponsored by IHOP with free short stacks given away free to guests in the hope that they will, in turn, help others.

With a goal of raising more than $2 million in its annual free pancake giveaway this year, IHOP hopes their free offer will prompt customers to give generously to the Children's Miracle Network and other local charities.

Now in it's 7th year, IHOP began holding the fundraiser on Fat Tuesday in observance of what is variously known as Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras.

Through the centuries, the Tuesday before Lent on the Christian calendar marked the beginning of fasting before Easter, when milk and egg products were forbidden. To use up all the ingredients, household cooks traditionally made heaping stacks of pancakes!

IHOP continues that tradition today, with focus on charitable giving during the Lenten season. While Fat Tueday falls on February 21st this year, IHOP is celebrating National Pancake Day a week later on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 7 am to 10 pm, offering a free short stack of their famous buttermilk pancakes to each guest.

In 2011, IHOP served up 4 million pancakes
on National Pancake Day

Also watch for events and activities leading up to the celebration beginning in Februrary, with additional opportunities to support Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities throughout the month.

More than four million free flapjacks were served on National Pancake Day 2011. In 2012, visitors are expected to top that record at IHOP's nationwide to help the cause of supporting those less fortunate than themselves.

So sit right down and help yourself to a stack of buttermilk pancakes this February 28 while you also help to make a heaping diffference for the better in someone else's life.

See you there!

also see related features -> What is Mardi Gras Celebrating?

Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday: Pancake Fest

Easter | Ash Wednesday