Free pancakes and a chance to help sick children heal – both are on the menu February 23 at the Fry Road Katy International House of Pancakes on National Pancake Day in Katy.

As part of a fundraising effort for their renowned children’s hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children has teamed up with IHOP to sponsor National Pancake Day around the country. Katy Mayor Don Elder will deliver a proclamation February 19 declaring National Pancake Day in Katy.

On February 23, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at participating restaurants, IHOP will be serving up short stacks of free pancakes and encouraging patrons to contribute to the Shriners.

“I salute IHOP for joining with Shriners Hospitals for Children to transform a stack of pancakes into free treatment for children with orthopedic problems and severe burns in our city,” Elder said. “This initiative affords Katy the opportunity to make a substantive difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides world-class orthopedic and burn care to children at no charge to them or their families, says benefit chairman Jim Spalding. Children up to the age of 18 with a variety of serious ailments are eligible for admission.

According to the Shriners International website: “There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last and is not valid with any other offer, special coupon or discount.”

“In return, they will ask guests to donate what they would have paid for their pancakes, or more, to Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

Some 250 IHOPs around the country will be participating, say Shriners officials. In advance of National Pancake Day, IHOP patrons also have the option of adding $1 to $5 to their bill, with proceeds benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Since the first National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $3.25 million for community charities. Almost $1 million has gone to Shriners, according to the organization website.