Eat free pancakes and help children at the same time

PHOENIX - Pancake lovers should start gearing up their appetites for a free stack of pancakes on National Pancake Day next week.

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, IHOP will be offering a short stack of buttermilk pancakes for free, in an effort to bring awareness to the Children’s Miracle Network.

While the pancakes are free, customers will be encouraged to make a voluntary donation to help the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.  Organizers are hoping to raise at least $2.7 million this year.

Last year, the group raised more than $2.5 million after serving up more than four million pancakes.

In Phoenix, donations will help the Children’s Miracle Network program within the Phoenix Children’s Hospital .

Customers can contribute to the fundraiser between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday at participating IHOP restaurants in the Phoenix area.