Free Pancakes! Benefits Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

What: National Pancake Day
When: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 7am-7pm
What: Free Pancakes
Where: IHOP Restaurants Various locations including Salinas and Capitola
Why: Benefit for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

The program coordinator for Salinas Valley Health Foundation’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) program is encouraging everyone to eat pancakes on National Pancake Day, Tuesday, March 8. That’s because IHOP Restaurants is celebrating its 11th annual National Pancake Day nationwide by offering each guest dining in one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes as a way of raising money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals programs and other local charities nationwide.

“The support of our local IHOP restaurants has more than doubled in the last three years,” says Melissa Gross, CMN program coordinator for Salinas Valley Health Foundation. “Every dollar that IHOP raises stays local and helps make a difference for sick, injured, and special needs kids in our community.”

On National Pancake Day, guests dining in at participating restaurants, including Salinas and Capitola locations can order one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. The hope is that guests will make a voluntary donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. IHOPS’s goal is to raise $3.5 million dollars for non-profit organizations serving children. Last year, IHOP served 6.6 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day.

“We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of our local IHOP management and staff,” says Gross. “We are so fortunate to be partnered with an organization that values giving back on the local level.” Last year, between the balloon sales, National Pancake Day and a year round coin canister, IHOP raised $7500 for the Salinas Valley Health CMN program.

To enjoy free pancakes on National Pancake Day, visit the Salinas IHOP located at 1075 North Davis Road, Salinas or the Capitola location at 1549 41st Avenue, Capitola. Both locations will be serving free pancakes to dine in guests who request them between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

Employees and visitors to Salinas Valley Health (Salinas Valley Health) cafeteria will be celebrating early. Pancakes with a purpose will be served up on Monday, March 7th. The pancakes will be served from 6:30am – 10am and again from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Salinas Valley Health is encouraging employees and visitors to consider making a donation to CMN in support of the local program.