It's November and one of the most decorated holiday in this month is Veterans Day. As a veteran myself, it means a lot to me. It takes bravery to sign on that dotted line and go out and fight for your country. While I was fortunate enough to return back home to be with my family, there are many others who do not return. Since 1980 more than 5,000 military children have lost a parent in the line of duty. These children will no longer see their beloved father or mother and will have to bear the pain of losing their loved one. Children who still have dreams and hopes, which a college education will help ensure. Children are the future and a college education helps ensure that we are setting up tomorrow's leaders for future success.
That's why I was pleased to learn of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (CFPF), which was founded in 2002, has given more than $8.5 million in grants to over 604 students since its inception. It's also their mission to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
IHOP has now joined in the fight and has partnered with CFPF. The President at IHOP, Darren Rebelez, is actually a Gulf War Veteran and former Army Ranger who understands the importance of providing support to those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Darren also sits on the Advisory Board for CFPF and has been committed to supporting CFPF for many years. IHOP has been working with charities to help better the lives of families across the work for almost 60 years, and together with CFPF they plan on giving back to the military and military families who fight for our country every single day.
Meet Meagan Jenkins
I was able to meet with Meagan for brunch at our local IHOP. Meagan is a sophomore at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs studying Biochemistry. She’s an amazing young lady with a bright future ahead of her. Meagan lost her father 3 years, but it hasn't stopped her from living. She was very charming throughout our interview, which I invite you to listen below.
So how can you help?
You can help children like Megan by visiting any IHOP in the month of November and purchasing their "Pancakes with a Purpose". The Red, White & Blue Pancake Combo is 2 Buttermilk Pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping, served with two eggs, hash browns and a choice of two strips of bacon or pork sausage links. For each order, $1 will be donated to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. You can also visit IHOP.com to learn more about the IHOP/CFPF partnership and donate to CFPF.
On November 10, Red, White & Blue Pancakes will be free to all veterans and active duty military members at participating IHOP locations from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
That is amazing! I love the idea of enjoy some delicious Ihop pancakes and helping this foundation at the same time!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly important work. I love that Ihop is doing their part to help these kids get a good education.
ReplyDeleteAs a military family, this is a cause near and dear to our hearts. And another reason to eat at Ihop!
ReplyDeleteAw, love this cause and also truly enjoyed seeing your video interview above, too :)
ReplyDeleteWow the idea to stand by them is really an appreciable step. The army man are the actual patriot who spends most of their life for the sake of their motherland.. So they deserve respect from every single person of their country.. It is also quite a good step how IHOP has designed a strategy to help the children..
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful foundation helping to raise money for such an important cause. I will make sure we go and eat at IHOP.
ReplyDeleteA great program for helping kids in military families. Ihop pancakes are great too!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that they've been able to provide grants to so many people. This is a great cause and Meagan sounds like an awesome person!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing initiative by IHOP! I'll definitely order "Pancakes with Purpose" on my next visit to IHOP!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Children of Fallen Patriots until now. It's so awesome that they help to give them college scholarships!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service to our country. This is such a wonderful thing to do and I'm glad that IHOP is now part of this foundation to help these kids get the bright future they deserve.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! It's so nice to hear that IHOP is partnering with CFPF for this. Now we have more reasons to enjoy their food!
ReplyDeleteI love to hear ways we can support a good cause, learning stories like this bring it closer to home. Thanks for bringing awareness to the event and how the money will help others.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great that IHOP is supporting CFPP. It's also great that hey are giving service members and veterans free pancakes.
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful! We will have to get to IHOP to help give our support. It is so important to help the children of our country's heroes and give them the chance for a better future.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great cause that this foundation is helping with. I will make sure to go and eat at IHOP, one more reason to enjoy their food.
ReplyDeleteOmg what a coincidence! I was just chatting with my husband that we should go to ihop and get some fluffy pancakes! This was great to know, I will definitely go haha.
ReplyDeleteWell, she is adorable! I love that there is a way to help the children of those who gave everything for our country.
ReplyDeleteRed, white, and blue pancakes sound delicious! But there's extra sweetness knowing our pancake purchases go to a great cause.
ReplyDeleteI'm ecstatic to hear of ihop's support! I will gladly be stopping in to show both ihop and the patriot's families my support.
ReplyDeleteWow such a great cause and really wonderful thing to do. I would love to go to Ihop with my family! We need to support Ihop!
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting, I never knew about IHOP being part of that programme.
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to go get the Pancakes with a Purpose! Those look absolutely delish to me, and it's a really wonderful cause.
ReplyDeleteI love her story! I've never heard of the foundation, but will look to support my husband is a Veteran.
ReplyDeleteMy husband's nephew is a veteran. He served 39 months in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now retired and is trying to blend in to a normal life as an ordinary citizen. We know we are fortunate to have him back, but others have not had that chance. We will be supporting this awesome campaign to give these kids new hope and a brighter future!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I need some pancakes now. Right now! It's great that IHOP is supporting this foundation. I've got family members and close friends who are veterans. And AnnMarie, thank you for your service!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great cause. Now I have more reasons to enjoy their food! LOL #Foodie
ReplyDeleteWow, this is such a great cause! Thank you for your service.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for letting us all know about Pancakes with a Purpose! I really love how some restaurants are stepping up to give back. And thank you for your service!
ReplyDeletei love the idea of pancakes with a purpose to help !! I love how we are all doing something more for others
ReplyDeleteI love that Ihop is doing this. Good to eat your favorite breakfast and support a good cause at the same time.
ReplyDeleteDone and done. I'm obsessed with IHOP to begin with, so it's nice to know I can help. I love what they did on November 10th. And I'll visit in November!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. I didn't know ihop was doing this for the children of fallen soldiers. So great!
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