Free buttermilk pancakes were not the only reason people went to eat Tuesday at the IHOP restaurant on Big Hollow Road.
But when they were asked to consider making a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center after receiving a complimentary short stack, they seemed happy to oblige.
“They do this every year and I’m happy to support the Children’s Hospital,” said Jenny McCarty of Peoria Heights. “I know they offer good service and they really need the money to help the children.”
The chain’s fifth annual National Pancake Day was observed at participating restaurants, including locations in East Peoria and Bloomington as well as Peoria.
Steve Quinn of Peoria said he would definitely support the pediatric center.
“I think they do wonderful things for the kids,” he said.
Sam Abdul, manager of the restaurant on Big Hollow Road, emphasized, “People do not have to donate. But we would prefer that they donate because it’s for a good cause.”
In the first four years of the fund-raiser, IHOP restaurants raised $3.1 million. The goal for Tuesday was to surpass $5 million for five years.
Locally, the IHOPs in Peoria and Bloomington raised more than $2,000 last year. The East Peoria location has been open less than a year.
The Children’s Hospital of Illinois works with several local sponsors for various promotions, said Shauna Skowronski, coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network.
“IHOP is different because they offer free food and they ask for any donation in return,” Skowronski said. “The pancakes are worth $4.99, but if somebody wants to give a dollar, that is perfectly acceptable.”
Catharine Schaidle can be reached at 686-3290 or [email protected].
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