Tuesday, February 28, 2012 is IHOP's National Pancake Day. Guests at IHOP restaurants around the country will receive a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and be asked to give a donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children. As in years past, we as Shriners have an opportunity to make a huge difference by donating just a little of our time. We are asking our members to set aside some time on National Pancake Day when you can go to one of our local IHOP locations to meet and thank customers for their donations.  

A local store owner recently shared his experience and point of view with me and I thought I would share it with you. He said that as a store owner he sees a lot of different fund raising events conducted throughout the year at his store. However, this event for the Shriners  Hospital for Children makes more than any of the other events. He attributed the success of our event to the fact that WE (Shriners) come out and get personally involved and the customers get to see us in the store on National Pancake Day. This store owner's point of view should help us answer any questions we might have about whether giving our time to help with this event really makes a difference. It obviously does help and this is another great example of how giving just a little of our time can make a huge difference in a child's life.

Local IHOP's have already started taking donations and will continue to do so until 11:00 PM on February 28, 2012. They are doing their part, now let's all do ours. Contact your Unit Captain or Jerry DeFatta to see where your time and assistance will be most helpful. Even if you can only be at one of our local IHOPS for a short time on this day, every little bit helps. We will be in the IHOP locations from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM on February 28, 2012 so hopefully those of you are able to help will be able to find some time that works with your schedule.

Thank you all in advance for your help and support for this great event.

Jerry DeFatta

Oriental Guide

jerry@defattapi.com