IHOP National Pancake Day Raises More Than $1.3 Million for Children’s Charities
GLENDALE, CA - 02/27/09— 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.”
Also known 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 more than $3.25 million to support charities in the
communities in which it operates.
ABOUT IHOP
For 50 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world
famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner
items that are loved by people of all ages. IHOP offers its guests an
affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly
service. The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as
of December 31, 2008, there were 1,396 IHOPs in 49 states, Canada and
Mexico. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale,
Calif.-based IHOP, a subsidiary of DineEquity Inc. (NYSE: DIN).
ABOUT THE MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION
The Miss America Organization is one of the nation’s leading
achievement programs and the world’s largest provider of scholarship
assistance for young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization
and its state and local organizations made available more than $45
million in cash and scholarship assistance. For more information, go
to http://www.missamerica.org.
ABOUT CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK
Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit
organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s
hospitals. Countless individuals, 90 organizations and 400 media
partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick
and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s
Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research and
education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children
each year. To learn more go to ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.
Dan Ischy/Patrick Lenow
IHOP
818-637-4756/818-637-3629
Terry Wills/Claire Delacruz
Wills Communications, Inc.
310-524-0200
Click here for more information about IHOP restaurants (DineEquity)