Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP restaurants have raised nearly 16 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate. On March 3, 2015, guests from around the country will celebrate a “Decade of Giving” with its tenth National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals© or other designated local charities.
We value the communities in which we do business, and recognize that our success depends on more than the contributions of our employees and the relationships we foster with our franchisees. Our success depends on the health and prosperity of the communities we serve.
By giving back in the communities where we operate, on a national and local level, we hope to make a difference – especially in the area of raising funds to support seriously ill and injured children. To that end, we hold hundreds of fundraisers and events across the country, year after year, including:
- National Pancake Day: IHOP’s nationwide one-day event to benefit children’s hospitals, primarily Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2012 alone we raised more than $3 million on National Pancake Day, bringing our fundraising total to more than $10 million since creating the event in 2006. By aligning behind one cause, we’ve found that we can deliver a greater impact and provide greater support for families in need.
- National organizations, local support: Many IHOP franchisees support organizations such as the United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, Toys for Tots and others through sponsorships, events and fundraisers.
We also engage our Restaurant Support Center and field employees in initiatives that serve the communities where we live and operate. Each year, “Philanthropic Day” gives our employees an opportunity to volunteer at the charity of their choice and get a full day of paid time off. At our Restaurant Support Center in Glendale, California, employees have used their day to work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Shelter.
