To mark the 50th anniversary of its founding and partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), McDonald’s is launching a yearlong celebration starting on October 15. As part of the festivities, the company is collaborating with notable figures like NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace to encourage customers to donate to RMHC by rounding up their next purchase to the nearest dollar. This initiative, known as the ‘Gift to RMHC,’ will be available at registers, drive-thru windows, and self-order kiosks across the country.
RMHC was founded in 1974 when a group of community leaders and McDonald’s franchisees in Philadelphia envisioned creating support systems for families with sick or injured children. Their efforts, funded in part by proceeds from the Shamrock Shake fundraiser, led to the opening of the first Ronald McDonald House®. Fifty years later, McDonald’s remains deeply committed to supporting RMHC and has raised over $1 billion through programs like Round-Up for RMHC. These donations have provided crucial assistance to millions of families.
McDonald’s emphasizes that even small contributions make a significant difference. If every U.S. customer rounded up just once, it could fund about 65,000 nights of family stays at a Ronald McDonald House, ensuring families can remain close to their children during medical treatments. Every penny from these donations directly supports RMHC’s mission, demonstrating how collective efforts can have a large impact on families in need.
