On a normal day, you may get annoyed if the drive-thru line was moving a little slow or if the car in front of you was distracted and not moving pulling ahead when they could. But last week at the McDonalds on Gaskins and Broad in Richmond, the drive-thru had its share of gawkers, but for a very, very good cause.
This particular McDonalds was the stage to a drive-thru drag show, starring Michelle Livigne, Sweet Pickles and Wette Middler, and these ladies performed to holiday classics and donned McMuffin, McGriddle and breakfast biscuit costumes – all for a good cause. The free performance was to help bring awareness to McDonald’s national Round-Up campaign.
Earlier this month, McDonalds launched its Round-Up for RMHC campaign, which allows McDonald’s customers to round up their receipt to the nearest dollar to benefit the local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organization dedicated to keeping families in close proximity while their children receive hospital care.
“The greatest need is always to keep a family together while their child is receiving medical treatment,” said Melisa Ross, special events manager with RMHC Richmond. “The monetary and tangible donations that our community provides to our organization’s programs provide a good night’s rest, a warm meal and transportation so the family can focus on healing. By reducing the stress and financial burden on the families we serve, we are helping them physically, economically and emotionally during their health care journey.”
RMHC Richmond has continued to stay open and provide its valuable service to families in need, but like many other organizations, it had to adapt, pivot and continue fundraising efforts in a year where those funds are needed more than ever.
“The safety of our families and staff were of the utmost importance and spending on safety supplies was a priority,” said Ross. “If nothing else, 2020 has proved that our community of supporters have continued to rally with us and stick by our side during this tough time. We are excited to bring unique fundraising opportunities in 2021.”
We don’t think you can get any more unique than drive-thru drag, but we can’t wait to see what the future holds. In the meantime, now through Dec. 20, when you’re getting your burger and fries, you can also give back to your community with the same transaction. All you have to say is, “Please Round-Up for Ronald McDonald House.”
To support the RMHC Richmond, click here or shop its Amazon Wish List, or find the chapter nearest you by visiting the national RMHC website.