WASHINGTON (CBSDC) - Nothing says it’s going to be a good week like a hot free stack of pancakes.

IHOP would like to remind everyone that Tuesday is National Pancake Day in the U.S. For the seventh consecutive year, the nationwide chain will offer a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and select other local charities.

Guests will be invited to make voluntary donations to the foundation for every short stack of pancakes served on National Pancake Day.

In the 7 years of the National Pancake Day campaign, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million and given away more than 14 million pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates. If you put all the pancakes together served during the event in 2011, they would stack almost 16 miles high.

IHOP would like to set a goal of $2.7 million raised in 2012, to bring the total funds raised to more than $10 million.

Guests who purchase a $5 Miracle Balloon will receive a coupon good for $5 off their next visit with a $20 purchase.

To donate to the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. online, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com

The free pancakes will be served at more than 1,500 locations nationwide, from 7 a.m to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feburuary 28.

How many short stacks can YOU eat in one sitting?