STAMFORD -- International House of Pancake (IHOP) customers around the country got to enjoy a free stack of the restaurant chain's famous flapjacks on Tuesday in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Steve Bishop, regional marketing manager at IHOP, said this is the seventh year that IHOP has held the fundraiser. For every free stack of buttermilk pancakes, guests are invited to make a voluntary donation to their area Children's Miracle Network Hospital, he said.
"We have given away free food before," said Bishop. "But I think that fact that the free stack of pancakes is tied with a donation to a children's hospital really brings people out of the woodwork. People can feel good about getting something for free and that makes a difference."
In Stamford, the IHOP located on Summer Street funds for Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Andy LaGuardia, director of communications at the Westchester-based children's hospital, said local IHOPs raised $12,000 for the hospital last year, and the Stamford location raised around $700.
"We really appreciate the fact that IHOP raises this money for our hospital," said LaGuardia. "The real spirit of this event is that people are kind enough to give donations that will help out a child who is very ill or seriously injured. While people can go to IHOP and enjoy their free stack of pancakes, they can also feel good knowing that they have helped a child or family that needs it the most."
Bishop said business typically doubles at the 1,530 IHOPs participating in the restaurant chain's National Pancake Day fundraiser.
"More customers come into IHOP on this day than usual," said Bishop. "It's a fun day and it's for a great cause."
At the Summer Street IHOP, Stamford High School student Julio Sanchez said he is a big fan of the restaurant's pancakes, and he is happy to get a free stack of them while helping a charitable cause.
"I love IHOP's pancakes," said the 17-year-old. "And I just finished wrestling season, so I'm going to grub on a lot of them today. I'm glad that at least one stack is going to be free because the money I have left over will go to charity."
Stamford resident Nick DeJongh said he is a frequent customer at IHOP and is excited the restaurant are giving away free pancakes.
"Everyone likes free food," said DeJongh. "I just wish the line wasn't so long, but it's worth the wait."
Last year, IHOP raised $2.5 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, Bishop said, and it hopes to raise $2.7 million this year.
To find a local IHOP or donate online, go to www.ihoppancakeday.com.