February 23 is declared National Pancake Day by IHOP, the International House of Pancakes. For the fifth time, IHOP celebrates this day by offering free pancakes. Here are the details, as described by IHOP themselves:

"Join IHOP to celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., we'll give you one free short stack (three) of our famous buttermilk pancakes.

"There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last and is not valid with any other offer, special coupon or discount."

With the pancake give-away, IHOP also supports a good cause: While the pancakes are free, IHOP asks its customers to consider donating to the Children's Miracle Network charity, which they support. The Children's Miracle Network charity helps local local children's hospitals.

National Pancake Day was first observed in 2006, and helped raising $300,000. The action was such a success, that it was continued the years after, and in five years, it has grown to a national event, which raises over $1,300,000. Until 2010 (2010 not including), the total amount raised topped $3.25 million to support charities in local communities. The aim for this year is to raise this amount to over $5 million. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/22/ihop-free-pancake-day-201_n_472269.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/

The International House of Pancakes, normally referred to as IHOP, is a United States-based chain of restaurants focused on pancakes, waffles, French toast and omelettes, but also offers lunch and dinners. The chain has over 1,400 restaurants in all states of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. IHOP is owned by DineEquity, which also is the owner of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, the #1 casual-dining chain, with over 2,000 locations worldwide.http://www.hoovers.com/company/Dineequity_Inc/ryxyci-1.html

Pancake Day, also called "Fat Tuesday" or "Pancake Tuesday" is the day before Ash Wednesday, and is observed by all Catholic and some Protestant countries. In 2010, “Fat Tuesday” is observed on February 16.

The IHOP Free Pancake Day is scheduled one week after “Fat Tuesday”, most likely to avoid confusion and to Mardi Grass celebrations.