MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Eating pancakes has never been so rewarding. IHOP will be working together with West Virginia University Children’s Hospital to raise money during National Pancake Day.
On March 1, breakfast fans from all across the country can get a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from IHOP and help a great cause at the same time. A portion of donations collected during National Pancake Day will go to Children’s Miracle Network, a national nonprofit charity dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America.
All proceeds received from IHOP locations in Beckley, Charleston, South Charleston, Barboursville and Morgantown in West Virginia and Ashland, Ky., will benefit WVU Children’s Hospital, the only Children’s Miracle Network hospital in the state. Restaurant customers can also contribute by purchasing Children’s Miracle Network balloons for $1, $5 or $100 until March 1. Last year, WVU Children’s Hospital received nearly $11,000 from National Pancake Day.
“National Pancake Day is a great event because it allows people in various parts of the state and region to come together and support the work being done at WVU Children’s Hospital,” Cheryl Jones, R.N., director of WVU Children’s Hospital, said. “It’s a good way to remind people that we’re here for them when and if they ever need us.”
Last year IHOP raised more than $2.1 million nationwide during National Pancake Day. This year the goal is to increase that amount to $2.3 million. Since its inception the event has raised $5.35 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities.
Pancake Tuesday, also known as “Shrove Tuesday” or the more popular “Mardi Gras,” heralds the beginning of fasting during Lent. Long ago, strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up a household’s supply of eggs, milk, and butter. The IHOP National Pancake Day fundraiser is planned each year in honor of this tradition, however, this year’s event is being held a week early.
For more information on National Pancake Day, see www.ihoppancakeday.com.
For more information on WVU Children’s Hospital, see www.wvukids.com.
