IHOP will once again invite guests to enjoy free pancakes during National Pancake Day on Feb. 5, while celebrating Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ 30th Anniversary.

On this day, the restaurant chain hopes to raise $3 million as the first national fundraising campaign to kick off the 2013 fundraising year for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

During National Pancake Day, the company’s largest philanthropic event of the year, more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants across the country will invite guests to enjoy a complimentary stack of IHOP’s signature delicious buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Guests will be encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or other local charities. One hundred percent of the donations will help local charities provide vital equipment, life-saving procedures and critical care for sick and injured children.

This will mark the eighth year that IHOP has held National Pancake Day, which to date has raised more than $10 million 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.

Guests visiting participating IHOP restaurants in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will also have the option to purchase “Miracle Balloons” throughout the month of January leading into National Pancake Day, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Those who buy a $5 Miracle Balloon will receive a $5 off discount that can be credited toward their next visit.