IHOP Restaurants announced the date for its 13th annual IHOP National Pancake Day event, the centerpiece of the all-day breakfast leader's 60 Days of Giving campaign. As the brand's signature philanthropic event, IHOP National Pancake Day and all related activities directly benefit charities dedicated to finding cures and eradicating life-threatening diseases that affect children and families, including Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

On February 27 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—with select locations participating until 10 p.m.—guests can receive a free short stack of the brand's Original Buttermilk Pancakes at IHOP Restaurants nationwide. In return, guests are asked to help make a difference by leaving a donation of any size in-restaurant or on-check, with all funds collected staying in the community where they were raised. To mark its milestone 60th year in business, IHOP and its franchisees have set an ambitious goal of raising $5 million for children's hospitals and medical research during the two-month campaign—plus serving a record-breaking 5 million pancakes in a single day.

READ MORE: After 60 years, IHOP is taking its pancakes to the people.

"For 60 years, IHOP and our franchisees have made it our mission to support the communities we serve. IHOP National Pancake Day is our declaration to pancake lovers everywhere that we are committed to giving back in meaningful ways," says Darren Rebelez, president of IHOP. "At IHOP, we think doing good is delicious. Every stack of pancakes we serve on our signature day counts toward helping our charity partners improve the health and lives of millions of children and families across the country."

Between now and March, guests have several ways to support the brand's charity partners, including:

Visiting any IHOP Restaurant on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 during event hours and donating to the featured charity after enjoying a free stack of IHOP's world-famous Original Buttermilk Pancakes.

Purchasing a wall icon in increments of $1, $5, $20 or $100 between January 31 and February 27, 2018 to show support. Guests who purchase a $5 wall icon will receive a $5 coupon good for a future purchase of $10 or more (valid at participating restaurants only.)

Enjoying a meal at any IHOP restaurant between January 31 and March 31, 2018 and making an in-restaurant cash contribution or on-check donation to the featured charity partner.

"For our 13th annual IHOP National Pancake Day, we're honored to again partner with three incredible organizations—Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Shriners Hospitals for Children—that are focused on giving kids and families the life-saving care they need," says Stephanie Peterson, executive director, communications at IHOP. "This year will be our biggest fundraising campaign yet, stretching over two months and filled with fun announcements that really reflect the spirit of what this IHOP-created holiday is all about."

To help bolster efforts, the brand has again teamed up with leading global service organization, Kiwanis International, who will serve as the official volunteer partner for IHOP National Pancake Day.

"We're thrilled to have Kiwanis International, an exceptional service organization, back as our official volunteer partner and appreciate all that their Club Members do to support our charity partners and IHOP National Pancake Day," continues Peterson.

As the most anticipated event of the year for pancake lovers since 2006, IHOP National Pancake Day has become a pop-culture phenomenon. With the help of millions of guests and communities, IHOP and its franchisees have raised close to $30 million to-date for youth health, wellness and educational organizations. All the money raised during this year's 60 Days of Giving campaign—which is a nod to the brand's 60th anniversary—will stay local and benefit thousands of children's hospitals across the country.

In addition to locations throughout the United States, IHOP restaurants in Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and Mexico will also celebrate IHOP National Pancake Day on February 27. For the fifth consecutive year, funds raised in Canada will benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospital; funds raised in Puerto Rico will also be donated to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals; IHOP locations in Mexico will once again raise money for Asociación Mexicana para Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer (AMANC); and Guam-based IHOP restaurants will support Make a Wish.