My family has never taken part in IHOP’s National Pancake Day. But we sure can eat a lot of pancakes, and the thought of starting a new family tradition that doesn’t include me standing over the griddle sounds fabulous.
Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than$3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. With your help, they hope to raise $5 million in five years for Children’s Miracle Network through your donations in 2010!

Here’s a bit of the day’s history at stated on their site:

National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. 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, or Shrove Tuesday.

IHOP’s National Pancake day is this February 23 from 7 am to 10 pm.:)
The pancakes are absolutely FREE, except their goal is support the Children’s Miracle Network through your donations.
You can find a location near you here.