The results are in! Committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates, IHOP, one of America’s favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, announced its 2009 National Pancake Day Celebration raised more than $1.3 million on behalf of children’s charities, far surpassing the goal of $1 million. Guests from all over the country celebrated National Pancake Day by enjoying more than 2.5 million free buttermilk pancakes.

“This is the fourth year that IHOP has celebrated National Pancake Day,” said Carolyn O’Keefe, IHOP’s senior vice president, marketing. “This really isn’t about giving away free food – it’s about making a difference in the lives of children across the nation. And even a challenging economy proved no match for our guests’ incredible generosity.”

As part of its fourth annual National Pancake Day Celebration, held on February 24, 2009, IHOP guests nationwide were invited to enjoy a free short stack of its signature buttermilk pancakes and in return asked to consider donating what they would have paid for the pancakes to Children's Miracle Network and other designated local charities. Newly crowned Miss America 2009 Katie Stam, served as national spokesperson, showcasing her “flapjack flipping” skills to promote the event across the country.

"IHOP’s celebration of National Pancake Day created another opportunity for patrons to donate to an important cause, helping provide research, education and care for millions of children across the country at Children’s Miracle Network affiliate hospitals,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network. We cannot thank IHOP employees, franchisees and guests enough for their support.”

Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped 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… hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.

Since IHOP began its National Pancake Day Celebration in 2006, it has raised over $3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates.