“I went to McDonald's with my niece and nephew. They kept telling me to peel my game pieces. When I finally did, I couldn't believe my eyes! I won $1 million! I just kept thinking, ‘this must be a dream, this can't be real'. I'm from a small town, so none of us thought there would ever be a big winner at our McDonald's. It really took awhile to get over the initial shock. If it wasn't for my niece's and nephew's curiosity, I probably wouldn't have even looked at my game pieces!
I was awarded $1 million and flew to L.A. to appear in an actual television commercial. This experience has been nothing short of amazing!
Winning really opened up a world of possibilities for me. I feel a new sense of responsibility to help others. I know a few people who could really use some assistance, and this will allow me to help them a little. I've been given a gift, an amazing opportunity to touch the lives of others and fulfill dreams I never thought possible in my lifetime. I'm truly grateful and feel very, very blessed.”
", "storyHeight" : 600, "storyMediaType" : "video", "storyMediaList" : "../stories/2007/charlotte/tvspotshoot.flv", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 260, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2007/charlotte/tvspotshoot.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Check out the video from Charlotte's winning experience.", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2007/charlotte/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Charlotte M., $1 Million Winner, MONOPOLY® 2006" }, {"storyID": 1, "storyDate": "12/12/2007", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2007/gilda/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I found out the truth about“I try to prepare healthy meals for my kids and I’m concerned about them getting adequate nutrition. I take my three children to McDonald’s once a week. I thought being a Moms’ Quality Correspondent would be a good opportunity for me to find out the truth about McDonald’s food.
To see the entire process from the farm to the table was very helpful. When you think of McDonald’s, you usually think of the drive-thru and feeding your family fast. But there’s a whole business behind the McDonald’s business that I had the unique opportunity to see firsthand — where they get their meat, apples and cheese, the standards they uphold, the rigorous testing — it made me realize how much work they put into serving good quality food.
The most surprising thing? The food they serve is not any different than what I feed my family at home. This made me feel better about feeding it to my kids and changed my opinion about McDonald’s.”
Check out Gilda's online journal entries and learn more about being a Moms' Quality Correspondent
", "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2007/gilda/photo_1,./assets/stories/2007/gilda/photo_2,./assets/stories/2007/gilda/photo_3,./assets/stories/2007/gilda/photo_4", "storyHeight" : 580, "storyMediaWidth" : 150, "storyMediaHeight" : 111, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "See pictures from Gilda's experience", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2007/gilda/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Gilda M., McDonald's Moms' Quality Correspondent" }, {"storyID": 2, "storyDate": "12/19/2007", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2007/lisa/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "A limo was waiting for us when we got to Vegas, and I thought, 'Okay, we're talking VIP SUPERSTAR!'", "storyTeaserByLine" : "", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "Lisa T., hard-working mother of two, was busy at home, when a TV commercial for McDonald's Access NBA All-Star Promotion got her attention. She had no idea that soon she too would be in a limo just like the VIPs on that commercial...", "storyText" : "“When I first heard about it, I was hesitant about entering because I thought, ‘people don’t really win those things.’ But it was McDonald’s, so I said, ‘OK.’ Plus, I’m a big basketball fan, so I thought, ‘Vegas? NBA All-Star? YEAH!’ I was online entering every day!
When I found out I won, I was ecstatic! I called my mother, who’s also a big basketball fan, and told her, ‘We’re going to the NBA All-Star Game!’ I was so excited that I won something. I never won anything that big. An all expense-paid weekend, with access to everything — even the game? It was wonderful, it really was!
That was my first time on a plane and my first time in Vegas. I was telling everybody I won, even on the plane. A limo was waiting for us when we got to Vegas, and I thought, ‘OK, we’re talking VIP SUPERSTAR!’ I always wanted to go to the airport with somebody holding up a sign with my name on it — and I got that! It was beautiful! And not having to pay for anything was extra nice. The best part was just being in Vegas. The lights. The hotels. The stars. It more than exceeded my expectations. My mom had a blast, too. She was walking around all proud with her VIP necklace.
With McDonald’s, people do actually win trips — and I have the pictures to prove it!”
", "storyHeight" : 650, "storyMediaType" : "video", "storyMediaList" : "../stories/2007/lisa/accesswinner.flv", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 196, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2007/lisa/accesswinner.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "See pictures and video from Lisa's experience", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2007/lisa/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Lisa T., McDonald's NBA All-Star 2007 Access Winner" }, {"storyID": 3, "storyDate": "1/3/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/shawna/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I went behind the scenes at McDonald’s®, and what I saw surprised me.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "Shawna H., mother of two, was selected as a McDonald’s Moms’ Quality Correspondent. She and five other moms received exclusive, behind the scenes access to McDonald’s and were asked to report their honest findings in unedited online journals. What she discovered may surprise you...", "storyText" : "“I think that out of all the moms, I was probably the most skeptical about McDonald’s. I felt that this was my chance to get answers to a lot of my questions — how do they keep the apples in the Apple Dippers from turning brown? What exactly are chicken nuggets made of? And is there really beef in those burgers?
Our field trips were great and very eye-opening. We met with food quality and safety experts, ingredient suppliers and nutritionists and learned so much about how much work and effort goes into preparing the food and keeping the environment safe and sanitary.
My favorite part was meeting Chef Dan in his kitchen at Hamburger University. I was blown away when I found out that they had an executive chef and that Hamburger University actually existed! We got to help Chef Dan with new product development and we also taste tested a new McDonald’s beverage. It was so much fun!
Well, I did end up getting the answers to my questions. I found out that McDonald’s adds Vitamin C to their Apple Dippers so they don’t turn brown, the chicken nuggets are made of real 100% white meat chicken (breast and tenders that are chopped and formed) and there is nothing in those burgers but 100% USDA inspected beef, no fillers. I saw it all with my own eyes, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!”
", "storyHeight" : 680, "storyMediaType" : "nomedia", "storyMediaList" : "../stories/2008/shawna/accesswinner.flv", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 260, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/shawna/accesswinner.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Check out the video from Shawna's winning experience", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/shawna/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Shawna H., Mom & Vice President of a non-profit group for stay-at-home moms " }, {"storyID": 4, "storyDate": "1/15/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/larry/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald's® really rolled out the red carpet. I felt like a VIP from the moment I arrived to the moment I got home.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "It was just another ordinary day at work for Larry W., thirty-something entrepreneur, until he got a phone call that would not only make his day, but his entire year...", "storyText" : "“I heard about the McDonald’s Access promotion through my friend. We didn’t think we had a real shot at it, but we rolled the dice, and as luck or blessings had it, we won. When I got that phone call, I was hyped!
When we first walked out of the airport, this guy had a sign with my name on it. I said, ‘Wow is that for me?’ I turned around, and realized, ‘Yeah, it is for me.’ In the limo, we hung out the window and waved our hands in the air like we just didn't care.
At the Soul Train Music Awards everyone looked fantastic and was dressed to impress. It was a very classy event. It was cool to be so close to the stage where the people I normally see on TV were just a few feet from me! We saw Don Cornelius. I shook his hand. He had a strong handshake and still looks so young! I love music, and to have a chance to hang around with the celebrities at the Soul Train Music Awards was awesome. It was a great opportunity.
Every day I was there I felt like a VIP. Everything was done grade A from top to bottom. From the first day we got there to the very last second that it ended, even going home from the airport. It was awesome, that’s what it was — just awesome. Let’s do it again!”
", "storyHeight" : 620, "storyMediaType" : "video", "storyMediaList" : "../stories/2008/larry/accesswinner.flv", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 196, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/larry/accesswinner.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Check out the video from Larry's winning experience.", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/larry/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Larry W., McDonald's 2007 Soul Train Access Winner, Chicago, IL" }, {"storyID": 5, "storyDate": "2/5/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/ocean/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Now, all the kids at school call me“A few years ago I saw this shiny red trumpet in a catalog. I put it on my Christmas list. Then for two years straight, I kept asking for it. I didn’t even know how to play it, but I had to have it! My mom finally gave in and got it for me. I learned how to play and got really good. I do concerts now at some pretty big clubs.
My grandmother heard about the Global Casting Call on the news and told me about it. I went on the website and wrote the story about my red trumpet and how much I love to play it. When I found out I was one of the 24 chosen, I went into complete shock. I got to go to London for a photo shoot with the other Global Casting stars — on my birthday! It was the best birthday ever! I felt like a king!
My life has been so great since this happened! I got all of this publicity. I did a lot of TV and newspaper interviews, I was the Grand Marshall for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Ronald McDonald® last year and I did the McDonald’s Triathalon. There have even been a few times when people have recognized me and asked for my autograph!”
", "storyHeight" : 620, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/ocean/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/ocean/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/ocean/photo_3,./assets/stories/2008/ocean/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 150, "storyMediaHeight" : 111, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "See pictures from Ocean's experience.", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/ocean/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Ocean S., Student and McDonald’s Global Casting Star, Chicago, IL" }, {"storyID": 6, "storyDate": "3/03/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/don/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "All the values I uphold come directly from my grandmother; from how she treated others and raised me.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Don Thompson, President of McDonald’s® USA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "Don Thompson talks about the people who most inspired him, personally and professionally, on his path to becoming McDonald’s USA’s first African-American President.", "storyText" : "“My grandmother is definitely my greatest personal inspiration. Her strength, determination, and spiritual reliance as my ‘singular’ mother and father are traits I strive to mimic in my life. She was so determined to see me go to college, that she moved us from Chicago to Indianapolis so that I could attend Purdue and study engineering. I’m truly blessed to have her encouragement in my life.
Professionally, my greatest inspiration would have to be my dear friend Raymond, a McDonald’s executive who was my first mentor at the company. He was the one who helped me transition from engineering into our core business by getting me into McDonald’s Accelerated Development Program. As part of the program, I spent six months co-managing a restaurant on the south side of Chicago, doing everything from flipping burgers to working the register, and I loved it! I gained insights into the nuts and bolts of the McDonald’s business that I still rely on.
That’s why I always encourage African Americans to bring their skills and career ambitions to McDonald’s. Everything else you need to succeed — mentorship, development, opportunity — is already here. It makes me very proud to work at McDonald’s.
Finally, my sources of daily inspiration are my wife, Liz, and our two children. My wife really knows me and sees through me. And my kids are my daily ‘power boost’ because they remind me of what’s most important in this world.”
", "storyHeight" : 670, "storyMediaType" : "none", "storyMediaList" : "", "storyMediaWidth" : 150, "storyMediaHeight" : 111, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/don/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Don Thompson, President of McDonald’s USA" }, {"storyID": 7, "storyDate": "3/26/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/ronda/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I live and work in excellence.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Ronda P., Author of African American History for Dummies & Former McDonald’s® Crew Member, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "Working at an African American owned McDonald’s in Chicago taught Ronda P. the beauty of working with a spirit of excellence.", "storyText" : "“My first job set the stage for my entire life. It engraved excellence into my heart. It stored excellence into my mind. From the moment I walked through the doors of the McDonald’s I once worked at—I knew I was surrounded with excellence. The owner was an African American man who the staff and I called Colonel. He was a war vet who decided to open a McDonald’s franchise and live his new life. Everything the Colonel taught me was about being the best. Our restaurant was impeccably clean. Our customer service was flawless. Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by a standard that lived, breathed and put smiles on every face that walked through our doors.Then one day as I was listening to a radio series McDonald’s Little Known Black History Facts sponsored year round…I learned the most interesting facts. They intrigued me so much that I did some follow-up research to see if they were all true and they were. I was amazed at the accuracy! Then suddenly I realized I just had another encounter with excellence.
Since that moment, I have given my all to everything I do in life. This expression of character has helped me write articles on the world’s most remarkable people. It has created opportunity after opportunity. It has put me in the position to create a book for the Dummies series—African American History for Dummies. Learning about the spirit of excellence at McDonald’s helped me master the keys to a successful life.”
", "storyHeight" : 670, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/ronda/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/ronda/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/ronda/photo_3,./assets/stories/2008/ronda/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 149, "storyMediaHeight" : 146, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/ronda/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Ronda P., Author of African American History for Dummies & Former McDonald’s Crew Member, Atlanta, GA" }, {"storyID": 8, "storyDate": "4/11/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/hank/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® has helped me express my love for African American culture.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Hank S., Poet and Founder of the Stewart Foundation, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "When employed to write a poem for McDonald’s, Hank’s words transformed into a voice of inspiration and celebration.", "storyText" : "“When it comes to celebrating African American people, no other brand in the world gets it like McDonald’s. That’s why I like McDonald’s so much. They’re not just rambling words of celebration and respect for the African American community; they’re opening doors of opportunity for African American people 365 days a year with their 365Black programs. I love working with organizations that get it!
When McDonald’s expressed its interest in my poetry I was honored. McDonald’s gave me an opportunity to speak to my people about their inherent beauty. It was an opportunity to do something meaningful and uplifting in the community with McDonald’s. To my surprise the poem moved people in such a way that it led to radio commercials and a magazine ad, that ran throughout the year to celebrate African American culture. The campaign became a huge success and I was proud to have been a part of it.
It’s awesome being recognized on this list of wonderful African Americans who are being celebrated by McDonald’s 365Black program. I believe that everyone is here to touch someone — individuals like myself and major corporations like McDonald’s. I believe if everybody touches someone, everyone is touched and to me that’s being deeply rooted in the community. It’s all about connecting, showing love and gratitude for everyone 365 days a year.”
", "storyHeight" : 670, "storyMediaType" : "radio", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/hank/aminute.jpg,./assets/stories/2008/hank/aminute.mp3,./assets/stories/2008/hank/ili365Black.mp3", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 20, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/hank/radio_icon.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see the magazine ad, “A Minute,” commissioned by the Greater Atlanta Area McDonald’s and recorded by Hank Stewart and listen to his radio commercials,“My friends call me the real life Calvin — you know, the young man from the McDonald’s commercials who was a superstar in his neighborhood and at the restaurant where he worked. Just like Calvin, I started at McDonald’s at an early age — 17 to be exact. It was my first job. McDonald’s was a great place for me because I was able to play sports and make money. After high school, I became a Swing Shift Manager at McDonald’s. Since that time, I’ve been leading and creating successful teams.
McDonald’s has opened doors of success for me and other African Americans to be in prominent leadership roles. It’s amazing. McDonald’s also offers its employees a great support system of mentors and learning opportunities at its world-renowned business school, Hamburger University® — it’s where I earned my degree.
I feel extremely honored and blessed to be working for such a great organization. The current recruitment campaign that I’m featured in is another blessing. It allows me to see how proud my family is of me. It acknowledges that my grandparents did a great job raising me. It also let’s me know that McDonald’s appreciates my hard work and dedication. When people see this new campaign — I want them to know that they can grow and succeed at McDonald’s because I did it and I’m just a regular guy from the neighborhood.”
", "storyHeight" : 650, "storyMediaType" : "radio", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/james/howiflipped.jpg,./assets/stories/2008/james/TimeMachine30_REV.mp3", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 20, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/james/radio_icon.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see James’ recruitment ad and listen to his radio commercial “Time Machine.”.", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/james/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "James C., U.S. Vice President and General Manager of McDonald’s Greater Southwest Region, Dallas, TX" }, {"storyID": 10, "storyDate": "5/6/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/john/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "It’s the relationships we build in life that determine our true human worth.", "storyTeaserByLine" : "John G., Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "John G., Through the art of relationship building, John has forged an alliance with McDonald’s® to celebrate African American community at the Atlanta Football Classic.", "storyText" : "“In life you never do anything alone. This is why I think it is wonderful that we have an extraordinary relationship with McDonald’s — it gives our organization the ability to continue to build enduring and meaningful relationships in the African American community.
McDonald’s sponsorship of the Atlanta Football Classic is more than just that — it’s a celebration — a celebration that’s rooted in a commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. Our partnership allows us to create an experience that rejoices in African American life, education, and sports at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
At the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, we strive to build relationships with our strategic partners. We have a relationship with the people who bring value to the Golden Arches — the very people who help celebrate our communities.”
", "storyHeight" : 630, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/john/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/john/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/john/radio_icon.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of John.", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/john/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "John G., Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA" }, {"storyID": 11, "storyDate": "5/9/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/dennis/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Celebrating the shining gifts of young stars.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "false", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Dennis W., 2007 Grand Prize winner of the McDonald’s® Presents ‘The Gift®’ Youth Gospel Talent Search, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When I went to the auditions for the McDonald’s Presents ‘The Gift’ Youth Gospel Talent Search in Atlanta, I didn’t know I was going to get a chance to perform in the actual show. I’m a positive Hip-Hop artist and my music isn’t the traditional gospel style. I just wanted to compete because I believe in doing positive things.
The Gift competition is an annual event sponsored by McDonald’s that gives aspiring gospel artists a chance to shine. It’s an amazing night in which people from all over Georgia come and enjoy great performances by their children, family and friends. When my name was announced as the 2007 Grand Prize winner, I was ecstatic! McDonald’s gave me great prizes for doing something I love: a scholarship so that I could further my education; a trip for my family and other cool things that will help me continue to develop my musical talent. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity McDonald’s has given me — it’s a memory that will live with me for a lifetime. It’s just so amazing what you can do when you’re given a chance!”
", "storyHeight" : 550, "storyMediaType" : "radio", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/dennis/photo_1.jpg,./assets/stories/2008/dennis/photo_2.jpg,./assets/stories/2008/dennis/truthbtold.mp3", "storyMediaWidth" : 320, "storyMediaHeight" : 20, "storyMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/dennis/radio_icon.png", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Dennis“Interning at McDonald’s was one of the most enlightening experiences I’ve ever had. I learned how marketing ideas and operations came to life. I was able to work with McDonald’s African American advertising agency to market products and promotions to college students. One of my favorite assignments was working on a college tour where we created cool activities for students.
This internship has changed my outlook on the way I approach real-life business encounters. As a result, prospective employers will now see me as a young professional and not just a kid testing the waters. I’m very thankful for this chance to learn what it takes to succeed in the world of business. This summer I will be graduating from college with the confidence needed to fulfill my dreams. I would tell anyone who has the opportunity to intern at McDonald’s to take advantage of it because opportunities like this only arrive once a lifetime.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/johnny/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/johnny/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Johnny", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/johnny/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Johnny M., Bethune-Cookman University Class of 2008, Pompano Beach, FL" }, {"storyID": 13, "storyDate": "6/30/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/raheem/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Singing songs to celebrate community.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "false", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Raheem D., R&B Artist, Maryland/D.C. Area", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I’ve been appearing at African American events sponsored by McDonald’s® for the last two years. It’s important for me to give back to the community where I live and reach out to our youth. McDonald’s puts me in front of thousands of people, helping me spread a positive message of consciousness and love through my music.
The CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) and the ESSENCE Music Festival® are wonderful events that celebrate our culture and music. To see the people and the artists connect — is truly amazing.
For me, it’s all about celebrating the community every day of the year. That’s what makes my performances at these McDonald’s events so special to me.”
", "storyHeight" : 525, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/raheem/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/raheem/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/raheem/photo_3,./assets/stories/2008/raheem/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Raheem", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/raheem/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Raheem D., R&B Artist, Maryland/D.C. Area" }, {"storyID": 14, "storyDate": "7/7/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/katrina/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I created my own ladder of success at McDonald’s®.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Katrina H., McDonald’s® General Manager, Portsmouth, VA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I started working at McDonald’s in high school. There was only one McDonald’s in my hometown, and working there made you ‘cool.’ I’d never have guessed back then that I’d still be with McDonald’s 15 years later, or that I’d experience all of the amazing opportunities that have come my way.
Several years ago, I was invited to take management training courses at McDonald’s world-renowned business school, Hamburger University®. Now, I can lead and train people for success — including my own daughter! In 2007, I was honored to receive the Ray Kroc Award, McDonald’s highest honor for restaurant managers. Then, in 2008, I was invited to attend the African American Heritage Celebration at the White House and got to meet the President of the United States. It was amazing!
Most importantly, I’m also able to host special events and fundraisers at the restaurants I manage to help schools and churches in my community. Working at McDonald’s has blessed my life in so many ways. My goal now is to become a franchise owner — it’s my calling!”
", "storyHeight" : 525, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/katrina/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/katrina/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Katrina", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/katrina/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Katrina H., McDonald’s General Manager, Portsmouth, VA" }, {"storyID": 15, "storyDate": "7/28/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/trinae/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Every time I walk into a McDonald’s® in a foreign country, it feels like I’m visiting an old friend.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Trinae S., U.S. Marine and globetrotting McDonald’s® customer, Austin, TX", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“As a Marine, I’ve been sent on assignments all over the world. And wherever I traveled, the one familiar sight that brought me a feeling of home was the McDonald’s Golden Arches®! No matter what side my steering wheel was on, no matter what foreign language was spoken, every time I walked through the doors of McDonald’s, I felt like I was visiting an old friend.
Growing up, McDonald’s was there to keep the bond tight between my mother and me. Between raising me and maintaining her career in business, she had her hands full. But every Sunday she would take me to McDonald’s to get the Big Breakfast®. I remember the eggs, sausage and hash browns like it was yesterday. My mother never ate, she always got coffee. But it was our ‘moment of time’ together that we shared every week.
I guess that's why McDonald’s still feels like home to me, wherever I go. And now, I get to share that special bond with my kids. Thank you McDonald’s for touching my life!”
", "storyHeight" : 535, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/trinae/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/trinae/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Trinae", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/trinae/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Trinae S., U.S. Marine and globetrotting McDonald’s customer, Austin, TX" }, {"storyID": 16, "storyDate": "8/4/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/cassandra-brianna/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® has truly done wonderful things for my family and the people in our community.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Cassandra & Brianna F., mother and daughter, Monroe, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When my son Brandon had to receive treatment for cancer at a hospital far from our home, Ronald McDonald House® came to the rescue by giving our family a place to stay just steps from the hospital. It meant we could all be near Brandon.
It was around this time that my daughter Brianna began writing and singing songs for Brandon. They were so moving. Her music took on even greater meaning for our family after Brandon lost his battle with cancer in 2006.
We began looking for opportunities for Brianna to perform these beautiful songs in public. One day, at McDonald’s, we saw a sign for McDonald’s Presents ‘The Gift®’ Youth Gospel Talent Search in Atlanta. We were so happy because it gave Brianna an outlet to express her love for her brother. The night of her performance was a very special evening for our family, especially when Brianna made the finals.
Our experience with McDonald’s has been amazing; first with their incredible support at Ronald McDonald House, and then with Brianna’s wonderful opportunity singing in the gospel contest. I’m very thankful for McDonald’s — they have truly done wonderful things for my family and the people in our community.”
For more info about the Ronald McDonald House visit www.rmhc.com
", "storyHeight" : 585, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/cassandra-brianna/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/cassandra-brianna/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Cassandra and Brianna", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/cassandra-brianna/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Cassandra & Brianna F., mother and daughter, Monroe, GA" }, {"storyID": 17, "storyDate": "8/11/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/vaneshea/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I’m so thankful that McDonald’s® gives everyday people a chance to experience life as a VIP.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Vaneshea B., 2007 McDonald’s® Access Sweepstakes Winner, Kansas City, MO", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I couldn’t believe I won the trip to ESSENCE Music Festival®! When my boyfriend and I arrived, the people at McDonald’s really gave us the red carpet treatment. We were chauffeured in a stretch limo and stayed at the same hotel where the celebrities who were performing at ESSENCE® were staying. And once we went to the event, we got to bypass all the lines and go right into the events. That really made us feel like superstars.
It was an unforgettable experience that will always have a special place in my heart. And where I used to be skeptical about winning sweepstakes, now I’m a believer. I am so thankful that McDonald’s supports events like the ESSENCE Music Festival®, because it opens doors for everyday people to experience life as a VIP.”", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/vaneshea/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/vaneshea/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Vaneshea", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/vaneshea/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Vaneshea B., 2007 McDonald’s Access Sweepstakes Winner, Kansas City, MO" }, {"storyID": 18, "storyDate": "8/18/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/charles/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Every day in the classroom, I use the skills and values that I learned at McDonald’s®.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Charles T., Middle School Science Teacher and former McDonald’s crew member, Lansing, MI", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "
“As soon as I turned 16, I started working at McDonald’s. Those years were spectacular for me. It gave me a positive routine that kept me out of trouble. I was an opener every Saturday throughout high school. So my Friday nights… I didn’t mess around. I had a job that was going to help me pay for my college applications and my prom.
But I got a lot more out of it than spending money. Working at McDonald’s, I grew confident, and learned to present myself positively and professionally. Plus, I acquired skills and values that helped me get through college and succeed as a teacher. Things like punctuality, great communication, and how to set priorities and keep them. Even today, whenever I go into a McDonald’s, I remember that.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/charles/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/charles/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Charles", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/charles/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Charles T., Middle School Science Teacher and former McDonald’s crew member, Lansing, MI" }, {"storyID": 19, "storyDate": "9/2/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/canton/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® helps me share the good news of life in my community.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Canton J., Gospel Artist, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“My mission as a music artist is to inspire people in my community to live positively. That’s why I’m so proud to work with McDonald’s. They’ve sent me all over Atlanta on an empowerment tour of local middle and high schools, encouraging kids to live extraordinary lives. And I appeared at McDonald’s Presents The Gift® Youth Gospel Talent Search, where youth from all over Georgia showcase their love for Gospel music.
As a result of the McDonald’s sponsored appearances, Praise 97.5 FM has given me the opportunity to host their youth-centered show, “Judah Jamz.” On Saturday nights my co-host, Darlene McCoy, and I give listeners tips on fun and exciting things they can do to enjoy their free time. Thanks to McDonald’s, I’m sharing the good news of life in my community with more people than ever.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/canton/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/canton/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/canton/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Canton", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/canton/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Canton J., Gospel Artist, Atlanta, GA" }, {"storyID": 20, "storyDate": "9/8/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/evan/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "My internship experience at McDonald’s® has shown me that they truly celebrate diversity.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Evan N., Hampton University Graduate, Stone Mountain, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“The best thing about being an intern at McDonald’s is seeing my ideas come to life. They valued my insights as a young adult consumer, and that was cool. I got to work on McDonald’s biggest annual promotion, Monopoly®. It was exciting to go back to school and tell people that I had a hand in one of the world’s biggest promotions. No one else could say that.
My internship experience has shown me that McDonald’s truly celebrates diversity within their organization. Some of their top executives are African Americans, like Don Thompson, President of McDonald’s USA. To think that I could one day follow in his footsteps at McDonald’s is really inspiring.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/evan/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/evan/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Evan", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/evan/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Evan N., Hampton University Graduate, Stone Mountain, GA" }, {"storyID": 21, "storyDate": "9/15/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/lakesia/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I can feed my three boys at McDonald’s® for under $10, and they love it.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Lakesia W., McDonald’s Dollar Menu Fan and mother of three, Jacksonville, FL", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I absolutely love the McDonald’s Dollar Menu. Every Thursday, my family has choir practice and there’s no time to cook dinner – so we go to McDonald’s. I can feed my three boys for under $10, and they love it. It’s great to know that I can take my kids out to eat without breaking the bank.
The other wonderful thing about McDonald’s is that they’re a huge part of my community. I see so many young kids get jobs there. And it’s good for them … McDonald’s gives them an opportunity to really make something of themselves. They teach them to be leaders, to be responsible. These days, people just want to put something positive in their kids, and McDonald’s does that.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/lakesia/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/lakesia/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Lakesia", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/lakesia/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Lakesia W., McDonald’s Dollar Menu Fan and mother of three, Jacksonville, FL" }, {"storyID": 22, "storyDate": "9/22/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/mclyte/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "There was a McDonald’s® across the street from the club we used to go to, and everyone always gathered there.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "MC Lyte, Hip Hop Star, Brooklyn, NY", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When I was younger, all I wanted was to be heard. I started going to plays and got exposed to the theatre lifestyle. My mom always said if my schoolwork was done, I could use my allowance to go to hip-hop clubs. There was a McDonald’s across the street from the club we used to go to, and everyone always hung out there.
Now, I got to perform for McDonald’s at their booth at the ESSENCE Music Festival®—one of the biggest and most prestigious music events in the country. It was such an honor to be there. The fans were amazing – it’s jammed with people who love music and McDonald’s. It was so fun to see even the youngest generation of fans grooving to MC Lyte. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/mclyte/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/mclyte/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/mclyte/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of MC Lyte", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/mclyte/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "MC Lyte, Hip Hop Star, Brooklyn, NY" }, {"storyID": 23, "storyDate": "9/29/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/june/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Ronald McDonald House Charities® helps families continue their everyday lives while dealing with illnesses.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "June A., Stylist of the Stars and Celebrity Friend of Ronald McDonald House Charities", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“As a Celebrity Friend of Ronald McDonald House Charities, I was invited to a special Mother’s Day Celebration in Los Angeles to share some beauty tips with the mothers. Ronald McDonald House® is a home away from home for families caring for their kids who are fighting illnesses, and this was an event that treated all the mothers of the kids to a day of relaxation and pampering.
As a beauty author and celebrity stylist, I’m always happy to share my secrets. And on this day, it was especially wonderful to share beauty tips with these mothers who are so strong and inspiring. I got to show them little ways to pamper themselves, because they deserve it. It was really something to see them relax for a bit and enjoy their Mother’s Day! I can’t wait for my next visit to the Ronald McDonald House. RMHC® is an amazing organization, and it really is a great thing that McDonald’s does there for kids.”
For more info about the Ronald McDonald House Charities,
visit www.rmhc.org
On July 4, 2008, celebrities and dignitaries from across the nation came together at the ESSENCE Music Festival® in New Orleans to recognize the landmark contributions of the McDonald’s 365Black Award honorees for 2008. Each has been credited with making contributions to the African American community at large by positively impacting education, the media environment and the business world. This year’s honorees are:
The McDonald’s 365Black Awards is an annual recognition of African American leaders. To be selected, recipients must embody the spirit of the McDonald’s 365Black initiative, which is to celebrate the pride, culture and achievements of African Americans, 365 days a year.
", "storyHeight" : 655, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/honorees/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/honorees/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/honorees/photo_3,./assets/stories/2008/honorees/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of the“I remember the first time I saw Ronald McDonald. I was six years old and there was a statue of him at my neighborhood McDonald’s®. Then I started seeing him in McDonald’s commercials, and I thought he was so cool. When I learned that Ronald® had a foundation to help children with illnesses, Ronald McDonald House Charities®, I was so inspired that I created a cartoon that led to me writing books to help adolescents.
The cartoon and my inspirational books encourage young ladies to aim for success. I looked up to Ronald as a kid and he helped me realize I could do anything. Now, I hope my books can do the same for today’s kids. Thank you, Ronald.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/kamecia/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/kamecia/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Kamecia", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/kamecia/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Kamecia T., Inspirational Writer, Charlotte, NC" }, {"storyID": 26, "storyDate": "10/27/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/johnb/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I went from working at my neighborhood McDonald’s®, to working with corporate McDonald’s.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "John B., Director of Business Development for the Bickerstaff Group, Dallas, TX", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "John is the Director of Business Development for the Bickerstaff Group, where he works with McDonald’s to secure their annual sponsorship of the Battle of the Bands at the famous State Farm Bayou Classic®.
“My first job was at McDonald’s when I was 15. I worked there for two summers, went to college and got into marketing. When I was a teenager working at McDonald’s, I learned the true meaning of teamwork. It was fun working together to get the orders out, communicating with customers and learning how to manage my time – it was a great experience.
I never imagined that I would go from working at my neighborhood McDonald’s to working with corporate McDonald’s. It’s amazing! McDonald’s does such great things for the community. Their sponsorship of the Battle of the Bands shows a commitment to the traditions that African Americans have with historically black colleges. They really believe in what they are doing, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.”
", "storyHeight" : 535, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/johnb/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/johnb/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of John", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/johnb/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "John B., Director of Business Development for the Bickerstaff Group and former McDonald’s crew member, Dallas, TX" }, {"storyID": 27, "storyDate": "11/3/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/nicolette/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I know I’ll have an advantage in the job market when I graduate.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Nicolette J., McDonald’s Corporation Intern and Monmouth College Senior, Chicago, IL", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I was thrilled when McDonald’s® offered me an internship. It’s really competitive, so I am grateful that I stood out in the crowd. My first week was so busy – I met so many people and learned the ways of the business. I never knew that so many employees started off as crew members in the restaurants. It’s impressive.
My favorite part about the internship was working on the 40th anniversary celebration for the Big Mac® sandwich. How many people could say they worked on a party for one of the world’s most famous sandwiches? I know this experience is going to give me an advantage in the job market when I graduate college. I’m thankful that McDonald’s has these opportunities for college students like me.”
", "storyHeight" : 535, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/nicolette/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/nicolette/photo_2,./assets/stories/2008/nicolette/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Nicolette", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/nicolette/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Nicolette J., McDonald’s Corporation Intern and Monmouth College Senior, Chicago, IL" }, {"storyID": 28, "storyDate": "11/10/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/yolanda/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I’ve been going to McDonald’s® ever since I could hold french fries.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Yolanda C., Lifetime McDonald’s fan, Seattle, WA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When I was a little girl, my mom used to take me and my sister to McDonald’s every Friday. We always looked forward to getting a Happy Meal® and playing with the toys. I think my mom always did that to give us something special. It was our little treat.
Every time I go into McDonald’s now, it brings back all those happy memories of being a little girl and spending time with my mom and sister. I just loved the Happy Meals, the birthday parties, the PlayPlace – I loved everything! I’ve been loving everything at McDonald’s ever since I could hold french fries.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/yolanda/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/yolanda/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Yolanda", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/yolanda/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Yolanda C., Lifetime McDonald’s fan, Seattle, WA" }, {"storyID": 29, "storyDate": "11/17/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/tamia/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Ronald McDonald House® thinks of everything to help families with kids in the hospital.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Tamia, songstress and Celebrity Friend of the Ronald McDonald House, Phoenix, AZ", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles and see how it’s run. I was so impressed by the facilities and the staff. They think of everything, all the little details, to help out families with kids in the hospital.
The Mother’s Day celebration I attended there is a great example of this detailed approach. They wouldn’t let the moms in residence miss their special day just because they have kids in the hospital. These women need and deserve a day to enjoy themselves, and Ronald McDonald House made sure they got it.
I got to meet some wonderful women and learn about their experiences. Did you know that Ronald McDonald House lets you bring your whole family to stay during your child’s hospital stay? Obviously, keeping the family together is any mother’s top priority, so Ronald McDonald House is truly a godsend for them. I was honored to be there with those inspiring moms and help them celebrate Mother’s Day.”
For more info about the Ronald McDonald House visit www.rmhc.com
", "storyHeight" : 585, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/tamia/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/tamia/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Tamia", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/tamia/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Tamia, songstress and Celebrity Friend of the Ronald McDonald House, Phoenix, AZ" }, {"storyID": 30, "storyDate": "11/24/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/nyasia/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I set my homepage to 365Black.com®, so I would enter the sweepstakes every day.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Nyasia B., McDonald’s® ACCESS 2008 All-Star Sweepstakes Winner and law school student, New York, NY", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When I found out about the McDonald’s ACCESS 2008 NBA All-Star Sweepstakes, I set my homepage to 365Black.com as a reminder to enter every day. It paid off, because I won! When I got the call, I started screaming. I called my mother, my brother, my uncle – no one could believe it. It was surreal.
When my boyfriend and I got to New Orleans, we got the VIP treatment – limo rides, specialized attention, courtside tickets to the celebrity game and a suite to watch the All-Star game. I got photos with lots of celebs and an autographed basketball – I was starstruck. This trip was so special to me and now I am a believer that anything is possible. I used to think of McDonald’s as just a fast food restaurant, but now I realize that it’s so much more. Thank you to McDonald’s for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/nyasia/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/nyasia/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaPoster" : "", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Nyasia", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/nyasia/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Nyasia B., McDonald’s® ACCESS 2008 All-Star Sweepstakes Winner and law school student, New York, NY" }, {"storyID": 31, "storyDate": "12/1/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/stephanie/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I am forever grateful to McDonald’s® for giving me my five minutes of fame.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Stephanie T., McDonald’s Superstar, Washington, D.C.", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“My sister and I have been going to the ESSENCE Music Festival® for the last three years. It’s a time for us to relax, get reconnected and have some fun. But this year was extra special. We were at the New Orleans Convention Center, where thousands of people had come to check out all the music artists and activities going on. I noticed the McDonald’s booth had a huge crowd and knew something exciting was going on. Sure enough, MC Lyte was performing! I worked my way to the front – and all of a sudden she pointed at me and told me to come on stage! My heart dropped.
When I got up there, MC Lyte handed me the mic and let me take the stage. It was amazing being up there performing with one of rap’s pioneers – I was on cloud nine. I will always remember that experience. I got my five minutes of fame, and I am forever grateful to McDonald’s for that moment.”
", "storyHeight" : 585, "storyMediaType" : "imageGalleryPlusVideo", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/stephanie/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/stephanie/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "videoMediaList" : "../stories/2008/stephanie/video.flv", "videoMediaWidth" : 320, "videoMediaHeight" : 240, "videoMediaPoster" : "./assets/stories/2008/stephanie/poster.jpg", "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Stephanie", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/stephanie/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Stephanie T., McDonald’s Superstar, Washington, D.C." }, {"storyID": 32, "storyDate": "12/15/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/carl/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® brings people together in the community.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Carl Thomas, R&B Artist and former McDonald’s Crew Member, New York, NY", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“McDonald’s has taken a really interesting pattern in my life. When I was in the 4th grade, I was at a school assembly where Ronald McDonald® was the star. Here I was, a kid who never got picked for anything, and Ronald® picked me out of the entire school to come on stage to help him. It really boosted my self-confidence and after that, I was the man.
Fast forward to high school when I was 17 and working part-time at McDonald’s. I never realized it until now, but McDonald’s brings people together in the community kind of how church does. I made friends with guys from rival high schools who I never would have met had it not been for McDonald’s. Now, I’m a musician who performed at the Big Mac® Concert Series at the ESSENCE Music Festival® this past summer. I got to meet Ronald® on stage where I was singing, and it was just as special as the time when he called me on stage in the 4th grade.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/carl/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/carl/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Carl", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/carl/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Carl Thomas, R&B Artist and former McDonald’s Crew Member, New York, NY" }, {"storyID": 33, "storyDate": "12/29/2008", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2008/norkika/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I had never won anything in my entire life — but McDonald’s® changed that.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Norkika W., 2008 McDonald’s ACCESS Sweepstakes Winner, Detroit, MI", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I have never won anything in my life. So when I saw McDonald’s ACCESS Sweepstakes, I never thought I would win, but I entered several times anyway. I kind of forgot about it until I got a call saying I was a winner! I don’t think it really sank in that I won until I was actually on the plane with my sister flying to the ESSENCE Music Festival® in New Orleans. And it was all because of McDonald’s.
When we got there, I met other ACCESS winners from all over the country. It was fun to share our stories of winning, and we were all treated like VIPs. We took a limo everywhere, met lots of celebrities – it was such a treat. The fact that McDonald’s makes it possible for someone to have an experience like I did is spectacular. Anyone who is thinking of entering a McDonald’s sweepstakes should – because you might win an amazing opportunity that you can’t get anywhere else! Thank you, McDonald’s, for an unforgettable experience.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2008/norkika/photo_1,./assets/stories/2008/norkika/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Norkika", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2008/norkika/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Norkika W., 2008 McDonald’s ACCESS Sweepstakes Winner, Detroit, MI" }, {"storyID": 34, "storyDate": "1/5/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/pooch/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® has always been a part of my life, and I’m thankful to be a part of theirs.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Pooch Hall, Actor, Los Angeles, CA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“McDonald’s has always been a part of my life, from getting Happy Meals as a kid to going there with my friends in high school. So I was extremely honored and excited to reconnect with McDonald’s at the Big Mac® 40th Anniversary Event. I remember the original Big Mac jingle – I was always chanting it growing up.
The amount of people who came to the McDonald’s stage to have fun and get involved with McDonald’s was incredible. People were getting on stage left and right to give their version of the Big Mac Chant. It was a testament to how many people McDonald’s reaches. McDonald’s has been such a big part of my world, and I’m so appreciative of McDonald’s for allowing me to be a part of their world.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/pooch/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/pooch/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Pooch", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/pooch/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Pooch Hall, Actor, Los Angeles, CA" }, {"storyID": 35, "storyDate": "1/19/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/rosci-terrence/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® is committed to the community all year long — that makes a huge impact.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Rocsi and Terrence, 106 & Park Co-Hosts, New York, NY", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“Rocsi and I were at the ESSENCE Music Festival® this past summer hosting the Big Mac® concert series. It was an amazing opportunity for us, and it was great to see all that McDonald’s does for the community. Rocsi is from New Orleans, so for her, it was going back home to her roots. At the festival, thousands of people were gathered around the McDonald’s stage. It was set up like 106 & Park and we interviewed performers, signed autographs and had a great time.
For both of us, giving back to the community is a huge priority. Rocsi started her own foundation, and I am an ambassador for RMHC®/African American Future Achievers Scholarship Program. I visit different high schools and talk to kids about the importance of going to college. The Future Achievers program is just one of the many ways that shows McDonald’s commitment to the community all year long. We are blessed and privileged to be working with a company like McDonald’s that makes such an impact on the community.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/rosci-terrence/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/rosci-terrence/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Rocsi and Terrence", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/rosci-terrence/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Rocsi and Terrence, 106 & Park Co-Hosts, New York, NY" }, {"storyID": 36, "storyDate": "2/16/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/trayliner/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "A tribute in every note!", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“From marches made. To elections won. From hit records pressed.
To world records broken. From the inspiration of stories told. To the celebration of traditions passed down. Black history is unfolding every day in America’s rich tapestry. So, we’re proud to honor the culture and accomplishments of African Americans, 365 days a year.”
“When I was 16, I got a job at McDonald’s. I wanted to show some independence and do things on my own. I never thought I would make a career out of it, but here I am 24 years later as a Restaurant Manager. I started as a Crew Member and worked through all the ranks to get where I am today. I absolutely love my job – my crew, the customers, everything. And I love what I’ve learned and who I’ve become – someone who is independent, productive and most importantly, a good leader.
As a restaurant manager, I strive to inspire and motivate my crew. I instill a strong sense of teamwork in them and I always let them know if they work hard, like I did, they can advance, too. McDonald’s opened doors for me and they have the same opportunities for others. You just have to decide how far you want to go. I know that I’ll be going even further with McDonald’s.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/silvia/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/silvia/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/silvia/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Silvia", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/silvia/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Silvia B., McDonald’s Restaurant Manager and winner of Ray Kroc Award, Chicago, IL" }, {"storyID": 38, "storyDate": "4/27/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/keith/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® gave me a chance to share my love for Chicken McNuggets®.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Keith Sweat, Singer/Songwriter, Atlanta, GA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“Everyone knows I’m keen on love songs, so it was a perfect fit for me to write a love song for the 25th anniversary of Chicken McNuggets. I was honored to have the opportunity to share some of my creative talent with McDonald’s. It was great working with them on this project – I’ve grown up with McDonald’s and was happy to be a part of it.
Since writing the song, I started the ‘McNuggets Lovers Club’ on my radio show website. Fans who signed up for the club got McNuggets stuff and my new CD. There’s been a lot of traffic to the website and I’m proud of that. I hope that young people today see my success and use it as something to strive for. I love being able to inspire with my career, my music. Writing this song for McDonald’s was another opportunity for me to do that.”
", "storyHeight" : 600, "storyMediaType" : "imageGalleryPlusVideo", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/keith/photo_1", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Keith", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "videoMediaList" : "../ads/mcnugget_love.flv", "videoMediaWidth" : 320, "videoMediaHeight" : 240, "videoMediaPoster" : "./ads/mcnugget_love_thumb.jpg", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/keith/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Keith Sweat, Singer/Songwriter, Atlanta, GA" }, {"storyID": 39, "storyDate": "5/4/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/laurie/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Before I got my first professional dancing gig, I worked at McDonald’s®.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Laurie Ann Gibson, Celebrity Choreographer and former McDonald’s Employee, New York, NY", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“Being at the CIAA tournament with McDonald’s in February was amazing. As a choreographer and an athlete myself, it’s great to be here with other athletes, supporting each other, motivating each other and inspiring the youth to follow their dreams. I’m in awe of what McDonald’s does for the African American community – celebrating who we are and what we can do. The spirit of McDonald’s and the 365Black platform was alive at the tournament.
My first job as a teenager was at McDonald’s. In fact, I used my paychecks to pay for my dance training. So McDonald’s has been with me my whole life. From the time I was getting Happy Meals, to training on the cash register, to now choreographing for the stars, they’ve created such enormous opportunities for me. McDonald’s helps me reach the masses to inspire and share my story of how I worked so hard to get where I am today, and for that I am grateful.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/laurie/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/laurie/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/laurie/photo_3,./assets/stories/2009/laurie/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Laurie", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/laurie/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Laurie Ann Gibson, Celebrity Choreographer and former McDonald’s Employee, New York, NY" }, {"storyID": 40, "storyDate": "6/1/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/sadie/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I feel good about my future because I work at McDonald’s®.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Sadie T., McDonald’s Restaurant Manager, Hazelwood, MO", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I wanted a car when I was a teenager. That meant I needed a job, so I got one at McDonald’s. Four years later, I went into restaurant management – and I never expected it to turn into a 30-year career. But when I learned about McDonald’s benefits program, it really opened my eyes to what type of company McDonald’s is. They really take care of their employees.
I was able to buy a house, get my daughter’s braces – I couldn’t have done those things without my benefits from McDonald’s. The minute I found out I could participate in the 401k program, I did. For someone who at one point had no savings, I feel pretty comfortable about the future. I tell all my employees about what McDonald’s offers so they can have what I have. They think this is just a part-time job, but there are real opportunities to start a career and prepare for a stable future by working at McDonald’s.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/sadie/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/sadie/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/sadie/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Sadie", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/sadie/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Sadie T., McDonald’s Restaurant Manager, Hazelwood, MO" }, {"storyID": 41, "storyDate": "6/22/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/skyler/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "It’s an amazing honor to be a part of the biggest event in high school basketball.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Skylar D., 2009 McDonald’s All American® Basketball Player, South Bend, IN", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“When I found out I had been chosen to play on the McDonald’s All American team, my heart dropped. I’ve been playing basketball since I got my first toy basketball hoop when I was four years old. Becoming a McDonald’s All American Player is every kid’s dream. I have always watched the games on TV and felt so blessed to become a part of it.
I traveled to Miami for the tournament and it was really fun being in the spotlight. I never thought something like that could happen to me. My family was there to support me while everyone back home was able to watch me win the three-point shootout on TV. Being chosen as a McDonald’s All American Player meant a lot to me. It’s great that McDonald’s cares enough to give back to the community and set such a big stage for us to play on. It’s definitely high on the list of accomplishments in my life. Thank you McDonald’s for this opportunity.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/skyler/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/skyler/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/skyler/photo_3,./assets/stories/2009/skyler/photo_4", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Skyler", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/skyler/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Skylar D., 2009 McDonald’s All American® Basketball Player, South Bend, IN" }, {"storyID": 42, "storyDate": "7/13/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/kevin/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "McDonald’s® has really stepped up to the plate with 365Black.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Kevin M., Radio Personality and Former McDonald’s Employee, Washington, D.C.", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I promote a lot of events through my job at the radio station, and now that I think about it, the first party I ever promoted was my birthday party at McDonald’s. I worked there as a teenager too – I made money while working with my friends and I loved it. I learned teamwork and still keep that with me today. Now, I’m involved with McDonald’s on a much deeper level.
I see ways that McDonald’s can show the community they are “deeply rooted” and I bring those ideas to my local restaurants. These restaurants have had events like a clothing drive, reading nights and a coin drive every weekend during Black History Month. We raised over $1,000 for a community scholarship with the coin drive. McDonald’s is deeply rooted 365 days a year so we plan to continue doing events like these that make a difference and show McDonald’s commitment to the community.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/kevin/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/kevin/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/kevin/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Kevin", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/kevin/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Kevin M., Radio Personality and Former McDonald’s Employee, Washington, D.C." }, {"storyID": 43, "storyDate": "9/7/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/dwele/home_photo.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "Since I started working with McDonald’s®, I have a lot of new fans.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Dwele, R&B Artist, Detroit, MI", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I’ve always loved McDonald’s – and working with them now is a great accomplishment. They have been keeping me busy lately, from ESSENCE Music Festival® to performing in the commercials for McCafé®. That was a great experience. My favorite McCafé drink is the Mocha – but you gotta get the whipped cream on it. Being in the music industry and traveling overseas a lot, it’s nice to know that you can always count on McDonald’s – it’s the same great food you love, all across the globe.
Doing the McCafé commercials was a big step for me – I never imagined my career would get to this point. Since then, I’ve run into a lot of people who had never heard my music before, and they saw me on TV and now they are fans. To see that happen is a beautiful thing and I am grateful McDonald’s has given me that opportunity.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/dwele/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/dwele/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Dwele", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : "", "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/dwele/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Dwele, R&B Artist, Detroit, MI" }, {"storyID": 44, "storyDate": "9/25/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig-diane/home_photo.jpg", "storyPhotoSmall" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig-diane/home_photo_small.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "We started with one McDonald’s® restaurant, and now we have 25.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Craig and Diane W., McDonald’s® Owner-Operators, Washington, D.C.", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“May 21, 1983. That’s when it all started. We opened up our first McDonald’s restaurant in Philadelphia. It was scary – I quit my job, my wife and I had two children and another on the way. We weren’t even sure that a single customer would come into the restaurant. Before opening up, we met with a lot of leaders in the area to get the support of the community, and the opening turned out well above what we expected. We bought our second restaurant three years later and another one shortly after, and we’ve been happy ever since.
Now, we run 25 restaurants and have about 1,500 employees. When we first started, all we wanted was one restaurant – we never thought we would get to those kinds of numbers. It gives us joy to be able to provide jobs for that number of people. The community has been good to us, so not only do we give back, but we hire from the community, too. We absolutely love McDonald’s – it has given our family tremendous opportunities and we are so thankful for what it has done for our lives.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig-diane/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/craig-diane/photo_2,./assets/stories/2009/craig-diane/photo_3", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Craig and Diane", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : '“I had surgery on my spine in 2002. I was only 13, and I don’t know how I would have made it through without the Ronald McDonald House®. My family stayed at the house while I was in the hospital and they received an incredible amount of support. Meals and transportation were provided and they could talk to other families going through the same thing. It really was a home away from home.
When I graduated from high school, I won an RMHC® Scholarship. I wrote my essay about my earlier experience with the house, and I was so honored when they asked me to read the essay at the awards banquet. When I was a kid, I just thought of McDonald’s® as a place to get hotcakes on Sundays. I never knew how much they gave back to the community. McDonald’s has been there for me my whole life and I hope they continue helping people and families like mine.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/nomble/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/nomble/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Nomble", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : '', "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2009/nomble/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Nomble C., 2007 Ronald McDonald House Scholarship Recipient and former McDonald’s Intern, Philadelphia, PA" }, {"storyID": 46, "storyDate": "11/30/2009", "storyPhoto" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig/home_photo.jpg", "storyPhotoSmall" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig/home_photo_small.jpg", "storyTeaserQuote" : "I knew when I was young that McDonald’s® would be a career for me.", "storyTeaserQuoteMarks" : "true", "storyTeaserByLine" : "Craig W. Jr., McDonald’s® Owner-Operator, Lorton, VA", "storyTeaserLeadin" : "", "storyText" : "“I was 8 years old when my dad opened up his first McDonald’s restaurant. It was such a big day and since then, I’ve had a great love for McDonald’s. I started working in the lobby, took out trash and then worked the grill. It was so exciting working in the restaurant then – I knew it would be a career for me. After I graduated from college, I went back as an assistant manager and worked my way up to become an Owner-Operator.
The best part about my job is that every day is different. I’m always out on the floor talking with employees, encouraging them – that’s what I really love. There is a wealth of opportunities with McDonald’s and I make sure our employees know that. My parents always told me not to do a job unless I’m going to fully enjoy it. So I’m a believer that you have to have love and passion for what you do. And I really do love McDonald’s.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2009/craig/photo_1,./assets/stories/2009/craig/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Craig", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : '“Leading up to the HBCU Classic, there was this lively, active energy everywhere you went on campus. Our local McDonald’s would really step it up to help get students excited about the festivities. The restaurant was decorated with our school colors, the mascot…and they had an event the week of the Classic with DJs playing music and games to win prizes.
While students do get excited about the game, it’s the Battle of the Bands that everyone really anticipates. It’s bragging rights for your school. There is nothing like hearing those first drum cadences from the drumline of the Marching 100. The fact that McDonald’s sponsors the Battle of the Bands really shows their support of the school, because it highlights the hours of hard work and dedication that our students put in.”
", "storyHeight" : 515, "storyMediaType" : "imageGallery", "storyMediaList" : "./assets/stories/2010/patrice/photo_1,./assets/stories/2010/patrice/photo_2", "storyMediaWidth" : 159, "storyMediaHeight" : 139, "storyMediaCaption" : "Click to see additional photos of Patrice", "storyMediaCaptionBottom" : '', "storyMediaLegal" : "", "storyThumbnail" : "./assets/stories/2010/patrice/stories_thumb.jpg", "storyThumbnailCaption" : "Patrice W., Florida A&M University Graduate, Rockford, IL" } ]}; /* seconds until banner changes */ bannerTimeout = 12; bannersJSON = { "banners": [ {"bannerId": 1, "bannerOnDate": "2/7/2010", "bannerOffDate": "1/1/2012", "bannerDiv" : "ads_2010-CIAA-photos", "extraJSStart" : "", "extraJSEnd" : "" }, {"bannerId": 2, "bannerOnDate": "7/1/2009", "bannerOffDate": "1/1/2012", "bannerDiv" : "ads_hbcu-photo-retrieval-09", "extraJSStart" : "", "extraJSEnd" : "" }, {"bannerId": 3, "bannerOnDate": "7/1/2009", "bannerOffDate": "1/1/2012", "bannerDiv" : "ads_essencemusicfest09", "extraJSStart" : "", "extraJSEnd" : "" }, {"bannerId": 4, "bannerOnDate": "7/1/2009", "bannerOffDate": "1/1/2012", "bannerDiv" : "ads_essence-photo-retrieval-09", "extraJSStart" : "", "extraJSEnd" : "" } ]};