IHOP offering free short stack of buttermilk pancakes Tuesday, February 5 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CLEVELAND - IHOP is offering hungry customers a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes on National Pancake Day, Feb. 5, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In return, diners will be asked to leave a donation to support the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals programs at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.

The fundraising effort aims to raise $3 million to kickoff for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals programs.

More than 1,500 IHOP restaurants across the country will invite guests to enjoy a complimentary stack of the eatery's signature buttermilk pancakes.

“Millions of free pancakes served on National Pancake Day mean millions of miracles for those in need,” said Julia Stewart, interim president of IHOP. “The concept is simple, but our mission is ambitious; to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For the past eight years, it has been a pleasure and a privilege for all of us at IHOP to participate in this worthy event, and each year our guests have proved to be incredibly generous, helping us not only reach but surpass our goal."

This will mark the eighth year that IHOP has held National Pancake Day, which to date has raised more than $10 million dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. In 2012 alone, IHOP raised more than $3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities.