Just received this press release and thought I would pass it on:

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis is invited to be a part of the pancake pandemonium as IHOP serves up FREE pancakes in celebration of National Pancake Day on Feb. 24 at IHOP restaurants around the country. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., families and friends can enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s famous buttermilk pancakes, and in turn, make a donation to IHOP’s national charity partner, Children’s Miracle Network, which helps improve the lives of children at the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals nationwide. All the funds raised locally will benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, a Children’s Miracle Network hospital.  Eight IHOP restaurants are participating:

7768 Craft Goodman Rd., Olive Branch

321 Goodman Rd. W., Southaven;          4725 Showcase Blvd.

2060 Union Avenue

2810 Wolfcreek Parkway

3710 Riverdale Road

1661 Sycamore View Road

1277 E. Shelby Drive

National Pancake Day dates back to a centuries-old tradition also known as “Shrove Tuesday” or the more popular “Mardi Gras”, 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. For centuries, the English have “flipped” for pancakes on this day with rich lore and colorful events including pancake races.

On Feb. 24, IHOP will bring back this beloved tradition with its fourth National Pancake Day Celebration. After all, what could be more enjoyable (and delicious!) than eating free pancakes and supporting the community at the same time?

A great offer like this does have some rules – there is a limit of one free short stack per guest, and 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.

For more information on this worthwhile campaign or to find an IHOP near you, please visit the IHOP Web site at www.ihop.com or contact Kristen Bartel, Le Bonheur Children’s Special Events Coordinator at 901-287-6305.

Founded in 1952, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center is the Mid-South’s first and only comprehensive pediatric medical facility. Every year Le Bonheur treats almost 140,000 children from 47 states and many countries. Le Bonheur is home to one of the nation’s 10 busiest pediatric emergency departments and hosts one of the largest pediatric surgical brain tumor programs. Le Bonheur is building a new state-of-the art hospital. The $327-million facility is scheduled to open in 2010 and will significantly increase the space for patient care, research and teaching. For more information, please call (901) 287-6030 or visit www.lebonheur.org