MEDIA ALERT: Free Buttermilk Pancakes on February 23 at IHOP

By: IHOP | 1 Shares 88 Reads

February 23, 2010 // Franchising.com // National Pancake Day Celebration to Benefit Children's Miracle Network and Other Local Charities Media Invited to Cover -- Satellite Feed Available



WHAT:    In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants

         nationwide will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk

         pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children's

         Miracle Network and other local charities.

         This year, IHOP is hoping to stack up more donations than ever

         before, with a goal to raise $1.75 million, for a total of

         $5 million in five years with its National Pancake Day fundraising

         effort. To find a local IHOP or to donate online, visit

         www.ihoppancakeday.com

WHY:     For every delicious short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on

         National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation

         to Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities.

WHEN:    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

WHERE:   Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.

SATELLITE FEED TIMES AND COORDINATES:

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Galaxy 3 (C-band) Transponder 9

Downlink 3880 (H)      Audio 6.2 & 6.8

Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:00 - 10:15am ET

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 3:00 - 3:15am ET

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 10:00 - 10:15am ET

      For Questions or Technical Assistance, Please Call 214-293-9500

Fun Facts From National Pancake Day 2009:

--  Pancake lovers donated nearly $1.5 million to children's charities, far

    exceeding the fundraising goal.

--  IHOP served 2.5 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2009.

--  All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2009 would have

    created a stack more than 20 miles high.

--  Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised

    more than $3.25 million and given away more than 6.1 million pancakes

    to support charities in the communities in which it operates.

--  National Pancake Day 2009 was IHOP's largest one-day event in the

    company's 51-year history.

ABOUT IHOP

For 51 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 September 30, 2009, there were 1,433 IHOPs in 50 states, Canada and Mexico. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).

***NOTE TO EDITORS: For centuries, the English have 'flipped' for pancakes in celebration of Shrove Tuesday, which heralds the beginning of fasting during Lent. Long ago, 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. While IHOP's National Pancake Day typically takes place on Shrove Tuesday, this year the company will host its free pancake event on Tuesday, February 23, extending the fundraising window by one week to maximize donations for Children's Miracle Network.

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