National Pancake Day Giveaway March 1st at Your Local IHOP - Raising Awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Tweet

Community

National Pancake Day

March 1, 2011

Photo from IHOPPancakeDay.com

IHOP will give guests one free short stack of their signature buttermilk pancakes on March 1, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., at more than 1,500 restaurants throughout the United States.

In return, IHOP asks that guests make a voluntary donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.

Additionally, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' "Miracle Balloons" are being sold for $1 and $5 each and can be personalized and displayed at participating IHOP restaurants now through March 1, 2011.  Miracle Balloons offer guests an additional way to show their support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and contribute to the IHOP National Pancake Day fundraising effort.

IHOP launched its National Pancake Day fundraising effort in 2006 with the goal to benefit the communities in which it operates. Last year's fundraiser was the largest one-day event in IHOP's 52-year history as four million pancakes were given away and more than $2.1 million was

raised for local children's hospitals and other worthy causes. 

Of Historical Note

Pancake Day is a tradition that dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products...hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.  In 2011, IHOP's National Pancake Day will come one week early, as the popular annual campaign has evolved into a month-long celebration that takes place during the month of February. It will culminate with the free flapjack giveaway on March 1.

For more information about National Pancake Day, to find a local IHOP, or to donate to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals visit IHOPPancakeDay.com 

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals(r) raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids.  Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time.  These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.  Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

About IHOP

For 52 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are loved by people of all ages.  There are IHOPs in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).


FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation in association with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

The Tragedy in Tucson - Reflecting on the Power of Community & What it Teaches Our Children

Tweet

Community

The Tucson, Arizona tragedy last month has undoubtedly struck many of us because of the lives -- young and old -- that were lost and the serious injuries inflicted upon U.S. Representative Giffords and others who were senselessly shot that day.  

As a former resident of Tucson myself, I have been affected on a deeper level...not only in direct response to this horrific event that took place in my former hometown.  Particularly, I am also impressed in the power of community and in how Tucson's residents have rallied together and shown how, as a town, the city can collectively rise to a higher level in these most challenging of times.

This beautiful YouTube by a current Tucson resident is the most moving tribute I've seen.  It honors those who lost their lives and those who were injured, but also delivers a healing message not only to Tucsonans, but also to the world at large:  Wherever there is community, there is hope and strength.


Certainly, teaching our children to be contributing community members is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their offspring.

FTC Disclosure:  As mentioned in this post, I disclose that I am a former resident of Tucson.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation in association with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Mommy is Going on a Business Trip - How to Connect With Your Child Back Home

Parenting
Tweet

The view from my NY hotel

Empire State Building at night

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Last week -- for the first time since my kids were born -- I traveled out of town on business.  This trip took me cross country from L.A. to New York for more than four days to attend the Dreamers into Doers Conference hosted by Martha Stewart Omnimedia.


Completely out of my work at home mom (WAHM) element, the distance inspired me to think about creative ways my children could actually benefit rather than suffer the consequences of separation.  Here's a few ideas that worked well for us, that other working moms (and maybe some dads) might try.

Hot Pastrami on Rye with Fries, Cole Slaw, and Black-and-White Cookie

My dinner one night was a typical New Yorker meal

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

• Set up a regular time each day to phone home while you are away that's convenient for you and your child.  Kids love consistency in parental interactions and since they (and you) will be making these calls top priority, you'll both look forward to this special part of day.
• Encourage your child to email you at the end of every day and share the details of all the happenings back home, at school, and with their friends.  Journaling will not just provide precious details of your kid's life that you might want to save for the future.  Writing about what they're doing will also build your child's self esteem, sense of worth, and creativity -- and that's not even to mention the writing skills that they'll be developing.
• Send email to your kid, too, sharing with them -- if appropriate -- what you are doing work-wise on your trip.  But, don't stop there. Also write home about the area's culture and email them kid-friendly photos of  such things as interesting tourist sights you encounter, the view from your hotel room or work location, the weather (such as snow if you live in a warm climate) and the regional food you are eating.  By sharing with them in this way they will not only be learning about how others live in different places, you'll also be creating a sense of inclusion, of your child traveling with you.
• Bring home something to your child that reflects the local culture of your travels.  Think beyond tacky souvenirs (like dust collectors and t-shirts).  Instead, look for something unique to the area you are visiting.  For example, some regional food items or a toy that is popular with the local kids, are almost always bound to be received with much enthusiasm.

With a little bit of thought and effort on your part, business trips can actually help both you and your child grow and learn as well as deepen the bond between you.

What things have worked for you to stay connected with your family when you must travel on business?  Please leave a comment and share.


FTC Disclosure:  I emailed the photos in this post to my kids on a recent business trip.  I did not receive payment or any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.