A Sweet Fundraiser

People love pancakes. People love free stuff. People like doing a good deed.

All that made the sixth annual National Pancake Day event at in Avon Commons a great idea.

Diners could get a free short stack of three buttermilk pancakes, usually costing about $5. If they wished, participants could make a donation at the restaurant that would benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, including Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland.

Harriet and Thomas Asimakis of Westlake come to IHoP often, but didn't know about the giveaway until they arrived. They both ordered the free pancakes.

"They're so good," Harriet said.

Business had been brisk all day, staff said. Restaurant general manager Ray Acosta said customers were waiting before the restaurant opened, wanting to get their short stack and make a donation.

"We have good people here in Avon," he said.