SAN NARCISO, Calif. (Bennington Vale Evening Transcript) -- The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is offering a free stack of flapjacks Tuesday to patrons across the country as part of its National Pancake Day celebrations. Although the food is free, the restaurant urges customers to leave a donation for the charities it supports with the fundraising event. The primary recipient this year is Children's Miracle Networks. According to IHOP's website, monies raised for Children's Miracle Networks support the hospital's mission to save and improve the lives of children. "This is a first world country with third world health problems," said Ivanna Niet, an IHOP spokesperson. "Our program helps Children's Miracle Network treat the unacceptably high number of sick children. Promoting a healthy life for these kids is our number one priority." The iconic restaurant hopes to achieve this goal by giving away stacks of sugary, fatty cakes drowning in butter and gallons of gooey, sweet syrup. "When you consider that this breakfast counts for 25 to 50 percent of your day's caloric allowance, that's a lot of food for free," Niet added.

In the wake of last year's disastrous event, the San Narciso Police Department confirmed that it would be posting uniformed officers around the Bennington Vale IHOP. Ren Williams, SNPD spokesman, said: "Last year, we found ourselves overrun by a gaggle of homeless people from the Hobo Gardens transient community outside town. And it was disgusting. This is a charitable event aimed at helping those in need, not a bunch of grubby, filthy panhandlers."

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