It's National Pancake Day, something IHOP restaurants have been celebrating since 2006. That means free pancakes - and a chance to help local kids.
"It's for the children," said Bonnie Hawkins, a server at the IHOP in South Reno. "Basically it's for the Children's Miracle Network and we've been doing it since 2006. Last year we raised over $7,000 and it all goes locally."
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 25, IHOP customers in Reno, Sparks and South Lake Tahoe will get a free short stack of pancakes. All IHOP asks is for a small donation. Those donations go directly to Renown Children's Hospital, part of the Children's Miracle Network.
"We hope that when guests come in, they make a small donation," said Kiemmy Thai with Renown Children's Hospital. "Every dollar amount counts, and it all adds up and it all goes toward purchasing lifesaving medical equipment for kids right here in our community."
It's a day the staff here always looks forward to.
"Back in high school, I went to free pancake day and left my donation," said Alina Modisette, a server at the South Reno IHOP. "And now I'm working here and get to be a part of it as well. I'm a mom, my daughter is a little over a year and I just know if she was in a position like these children are in, I would want people to come out and support her and help her because that's the love of my life and I would do anything to keep her healthy."
Local restaurants have raised more than $100,000 for the cause since 2006.
"It says a lot that everybody loves to help us," Hawkins said. "We definitely all chip in."
IHOP is also giving away plenty of prizes today, including free pancakes for life.
