McDonald's Owners open first charity-themed restaurant
December 01, 2008
Fort Worth Business Press
By Betty Dillard
Husband-and-wife business owners Ron and June Hoffman, operators of three McDonald’s restaurants in Fort Worth, already had decorated their stores with a golf theme and a nostalgic ‘50s theme.
When it came time to choose the décor for their latest location, the couple, both longtime supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities, had a creative attack.
“Why don’t we decorate it with the idea of giving back to the community?” June Hoffman said. With a hip, contemporary architectural style and featuring a McCafe, plasma TVs, a Parent Zone and state-of-the-art indoor gym, the couple’s new South Fort Worth store at 4375 Risinger Road is the first-ever themed Ronald McDonald Charities restaurant in Texas and only the second one in the country.
The eatery, which officially opened Nov. 15, is highlighted with photographs and messages all carrying the RMHC theme, and plans call for additional posters to be placed around the diner with facts about Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. “Our heart is really in this,” said June, who serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and Ronald McDonald Charities of Greater North Texas. “The opening of this restaurant with the charity theme is our way of focusing on it 24/7 and educating the public about the need of giving back.”
A home away from home since 1981 and known as “The House That Love Built,” the Fort Worth Ronald McDonald House serves families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital. With an annual budget of about $1 million, the Fort Worth House is supported by $75,000 that comes from McDonald’s restaurants.
The Fort Worth House is one of 281 Ronald McDonald Houses located in more than 30 countries and regions. “Since we share a valuable partnership with McDonald’s through Ronald McDonald House Charities, it is very important for us to involve area McDonald’s owner/operators with the local House,” said Jennifer Johns, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth.
She said many people don’t know what a Ronald McDonald House is, or that there are two other core programs of RMHC – the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
“The general public has no idea that RMHC gives thousands of dollars each year in grants to other children’s organizations and provides college scholarships as well,” Johns said.
Ron Hoffman opened his first McDonald’s in 1979 and his first Fort Worth store in 1982. Training and teaching employees about public service has been a priority - after serving children through RMHC, he said. “Our philosophy has always been that for some kids, this is their first job. If we can give them a good work ethic then we’ve contributed something to them and to the community,” Ron said.
During a special VIP reception and fund-raiser Oct. 27, the store raised $4,050 for Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. That amount was matched by XTO Energy Inc. of Fort Worth. “In these difficult economic times, donations to charity fall by the wayside. I was so happy to see we helped raise $8,100 for our local House,” June said. “Not only are we selling hamburgers and giving people a good dining experience but at the same time we want to show that the spirit of giving is still alive today.”
The couple said instead of the usual gift exchange this holiday season, they are encouraging employees to participate in the “Lights of Love” gift program – where people can symbolically light a light around the House in honor of someone special – and make donations to the Fort Worth House, whose food pantry is low.
The public may donate food items from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week, at the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, 1004 Seventh Ave. Also needed are gift cards in $10, $25 or $50 increments to Target and Wal-Mart.
Pantry items needed include: cereal and instant oatmeal, Pop-Tarts, individually wrapped snacks, canned pastas, juice boxes, mayonnaise, coffee creamer, salsa, butter, tuna, eggs, sliced cheese, hot dogs, canned and fresh fruit and microwave popcorn.
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