Immediately following her crowning as Miss America 2011 on Saturday, Teresa Scanlan announced that she will serve as spokesperson for IHOP’s sixth National Pancake Day celebration benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Hoping to raise more than $2.3 million for children’s hospital programs, IHOP will give away millions of its signature buttermilk pancakes on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In return, America’s favorite restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner asks that guests make a voluntary donation to support local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and other local charities.
“I love pancakes, and what a fun way to start my year of service as Miss America 2011. I am honored to serve as a national Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and its fundraising partnership with IHOP on National Pancake Day,” said Teresa Scanlan. “IHOP has raised more than $5 million in just five years and I am determined to make 2011 the most successful effort ever.”
IHOP launched its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006 to benefit the communities in which it operates. Last year’s fundraiser was the largest one-day event in IHOP’s 52-year history with more than four million pancakes given away and more than $2.1 million raised for local children’s hospitals and other worthy causes. To date, IHOP has raised more than $5 million dollars in support of local charities and hopes to raise at least $2.3 million in 2011.
“National Pancake Day has become a highly anticipated event each year. It brings families and friends together in an effort to help children in our communities,” said Jean Birch, IHOP president. “We are so pleased to welcome Teresa to our National Pancake Day family and we are excited to partner with the Miss America Organization in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as we continue to make a difference in the lives of children across the country.”
For more information about National Pancake Day, to find a local IHOP, or to donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, please visit www.IHOPpancakeday.com.