This is the fourth year of the partnership.

Pancake lovers went to the nearest IHOP, 2771 E. Grand River Ave., to take advantage of the offer and give spare change to Sparrow Children’s Center at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital.

IHOP general manager Brandon Mavin said National Pancake Day is one of the busiest days of the year, estimating that 800 to 900 people would participate.

“It’s comparable to a very busy Saturday or Sunday,” he said. “The staff gets on board, and it’s a lot of fun to give away a bunch of free pancakes.”

Free pancakes lured Chad Rossiter, an environmental studies and agriscience sophomore, into the restaurant, but he also thought it was a creative fundraiser for a good cause.

“If you don’t have to pay for the food, you’ll be more likely to donate,” he said.

Erin Schroeder, a communicative sciences and disorders senior, said the campaign was effective. She donated money by purchasing one of the Children’s Miracle Network balloon papers, which were plastered on the walls of IHOP’s entryway.

“It definitely attracts a lot of people because a lot of people like free food,” she said.

Joy Wiseman, the development director for Sparrow Children’s Center, said all of the money donated stays local.

“It helps local children and people in the community who may not be able to afford health care,” she said. “It could be helping your neighbor.”

Mavin said the restaurant raised about $2,000 last year, and they hope to beat that this year. The national campaign’s goal is to raise $1.75 million, Cichelli said.

Although it is not the largest fundraiser of the year, it makes a big impact, she said.

“The fact that it occurs on one day and brings in a million dollars makes it an important fundraiser,” Cichelli said. “I took my boys to breakfast this morning, and we gave $10.”

Wiseman said even though the cause is serious, the free pancakes make it a light-hearted event.

“They come and eat pancakes ­— what’s more fun than that?” she said.