• by Teresa Buyikian , October 16, 2024

Turning 50 isn’t something most people relish commemorating, but if it’s the birthday of an organization that has raised over $1 billion dollars for families in need, it doesn’t have to hurt so much.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) just marked this anniversary. The organization began in 1974 with a group of Philadelphia community leaders and McDonald’s franchisees who came together to provide support for families with sick or injured children.

The first Ronald McDonald House was built from the proceeds of a Shamrock Shake fundraiser. Today the 501(c)(3) corporation has a global network of over 255 chapters in 62 countries and regions, which “provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.”

The organization is bumping up its fundraising, tapping  NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace to help encourage customers to give a “Gift to RMHC” by rounding up the change on their McDonald's purchase to the nearest whole dollar. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to support the RMHC.

Wallace drives the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing, which will soon roll out a custom paint job which includes elements designed by local families from RMHC of South Florida. Fans can see the new custom car and Wallace, who will also be sporting a RMHC logo on his firesuit,  at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27. In addition to Wallace, per the brand, 75% of drivers will highlight RMHC throughout the race weekend.

The Wallace collab is just the beginning of a yearlong celebrations benefitting RMHC. Local promotions will also take place with various franchisees across the country. For example, in Philadelphia, $1 will be donated for every limited-edition Eagles Bundle Box purchased at participating McDonald's locations. In Missouri, participating restaurants are holding "Penny for a Pound of Fries," fundraisers where restaurants donate one penny per pound of fries purchased to their local RMHC Houses.

"We're always listening to our customers -- and that's why we are proud to provide an easy and economical way to turn pennies into meaningful impact for nearby families," said Michael Gonda, McDonald's chief impact officer, North America,  in the announcement.

The donations are not just at the local level;  McDonald's Corporation is also giving $20 million as part of a five-year, $100 million commitment to RMHC.