McDonald’s celebrates 50 years of partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities
Local New England Restaurants Raise More than $1M for Families in Need This Year
Vermont Business Magazine As McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nonprofit and their enduring partnership, New England McDonald’s Owner Operators are excited to announce their customers have helped raise $1.26M for the organization year-to-date by rounding up their purchases at restaurants across the region, with $144,200 of that coming directly from Vermont restaurants.
Round-Up for RMHC provides customers with the opportunity to Round-Up their order totals in-restaurant to the nearest whole number, with the additional amount being donated to their local RMHC Chapter. Here in Vermont, the funds are used to provide a supportive home away from home for families while their children are receiving life-saving medical treatment at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. The money raised this year equates to 1,442 nights free of charge, saving families over $350,000 in travel expenses, meals and accommodations.
“We are so thankful to our local McDonald’s owner operators for their incredible support,” states Kristine Bickford, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington. “Their contributions enable us to provide comfort and a sense of home for our guest families when they need it most.”
Local McDonald’s owner operator and one of New England’s top contributors, Peter Napoli, has helped raise more than $140,000 for RMHCVT this year across his restaurants. In addition to Round-Up, Napoli hosts numerous fundraisers throughout the year, including an ornament drive during the holidays, with all proceeds from the purchase going directly to the charity.
"The power of local business is its ability to create meaningful change, and that's exactly what happened across Vermont with our Ronald McDonald House Charities initiative," said Owner Operator Peter Napoli. “Every Round-Up donation is more than a transaction—it's a lifeline for families navigating unimaginably difficult medical journeys. Vermont's McDonald's operators are united in our belief that community strength comes from collective compassion. Alongside our customers, we’re honored to give these families a warm meal and a safe place to stay while they face their most challenging moments.
These local fundraising efforts make up a portion of the more than $1 billion dollars McDonald’s Corporation, their franchisees and customers have donated to help RMHC serve tens of millions of families worldwide over the past 50 years. If every U.S. customer rounded up even for just one day, it could equate to approximately 65,000 family night stays at a Ronald McDonald House®, making a huge difference in the lives of families with children who are ill or injured.
The community is encouraged to rally behind RMHC for this golden anniversary. Customers can join in on the celebration by giving a Gift to RMHC the next time they visit McDonald’s by simply rounding up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
About RMHCVT
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington has provided families with a home away from home since 1984. Located just minutes from the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, the House gives families the opportunity to stay close during the hospitalization of a child. In 2024 we hosted nearly 300 families and provided over 12,000 home cooked meals; all made possible by the generosity of our donors and dedication of our volunteers. Visit rmhcvt.org to learn more.
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