For families who visit Give Kids The World Village, mealtimes are an opportunity to sit back, relax, and spend time together. No cooking, no cleaning – just a delicious home-cooked meal to enjoy. And for families facing critical illness, this can mean the world.

Every morning, Café Clayton is filled with scents of freshly cooked breakfast – thanks to our friends at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. And, on July 26, Perkins is giving away free pancakes at their restaurants around the country to raise money for Give Kids The World.

One day, back when the Village was only a few villas, a playground, and swimming pool, a chairman from Perkins paid us a visit. “Perkins supports what you’re doing here,” he said to founder Henri Landwirth. He asked Henri who was serving the meals, and Henri replied “no one.”

Soon, Perkins had agreed to serve breakfast and dinner in the Gingerbread House, and still does to this day. It also raises money for the Village through a variety of fundraisers and special events, raising nearly $30 million since the partnership began.

One of those fundraisers is Free Pancake Day.

So, mark your calendars for July 26, because you can enjoy free pancakes with the option to donate to the Village. Think of it this way: Enjoy a meal at Perkins and help give meals – and happy memories – to wish families for years to come.

“We are proud to continue our support of this outstanding organization,” says Jim Frank, chief operating officer of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. “And we look forward to holding yet another successful Free Pancake Day.”

We hope to see you there! Find a participating location near you, enjoy a delicious short stack on July 26 and give back to Give Kids The World.