National Pancake Day traditionally falls on Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, and 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.

This year, Fat Tuesday fell on February 5th, which also happened to be Super Tuesday, on which a record number of states held their Presidential primaries.

In the interest of embracing the democratic process, IHOP postponed its annual celebration of National Pancake Day by one week, deciding instead to give away free pancakes all day today, Tuesday February 12th.

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly one million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates.

This year, they’re hoping to raise $750,000 for Children’s Miracle Network. For more information on how you can help the cause check out www.IHOPPancakeDay.com.