CMN National Pancake Day fundraiser flips for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital

Today, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes during IHOP’s ninth annual National Pancake Day benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In return, customers will be encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to CMN Hospitals, which helps improve the lives of children at 170 hospitals in the United States and Canada.

All funds raised at seven area locations will benefit University of Florida Health Shands Children’s Hospital, a CMN Hospitals facility.

“We’re excited to participate in National Pancake Day again and are grateful for IHOP’s commitment to helping our local kids,” said Sarah Franz, a CMN Hospitals development associate. “The event supports a worthy cause that greatly affects our community.”

IHOP started the celebration a few months early by offering guests another way to show their support. Miracle Balloons were sold for $1 and $5 each and were displayed at participating IHOP restaurants throughout the month of February leading up to National Pancake Day.

Pancake Day is a tradition that dates back several centuries to when the English prepared for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products.

With more than 1,500 restaurants participating in National Pancake Day, IHOP hopes to raise $3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. This amount would bring the total amount of monies raised for local charities to nearly $16 million in nine years.

Last year’s local events raised more than $25,000 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last, and is not valid with any other offer, special, coupon or discount.