Hey Maggie, was it someone from the restraunt itself that called or from the main offices? I can see this as a great idea for our school or even for a class raiseing funds for a big field trip! Just wondering where to start?!
Our school has done a McDonalds Night for at least the last 3 years. We are a district that consists of 2 elementary (1-5) a kindergarten center and a middle school. Ours is held on 2 nights and we average about $500 a night. The staff and everyone who attends seems to really enjoy this- we run it as a family fun night-this year we are going to have school spirit type handouts to give (pencils, cups etc.)
I didnt know about having Ronald visit the school-that is a good idea-we'll have to check into that.
We have found this to be a very easy event to coordinate and it brings in a little extra money.
My school held a McDonalds Night two years in a row and made approx. $325 each time. All we did was sent home a flyer with the children (offered no incentives) and also included a voucher for the "drive thru" for those families that did not wish to come in to McDonalds. Our McDonalds has a huge playland which was a big help in getting the kids to come out.
We have had 2 McDonalds nights and our school made about 60$ both times, and we also have 2 more scheduled. You are right also McDonalds gives us the flyers and everything and it is 10% of sales during a 2 hour period. Rnald also came to our school and s/w oir kids about reading and he has a challenge w/ our principal and the teachers and if the students win he will come again and have lunch w/ them at McDOnalds. They really do a GREAT job, and who doesnt LOVe ronald???
Here's a suggestion for you to promote your McDonalds night. I found out that the McDonalds Corporation is very community oriented. They have a no-cost community outreach program in which they will send out "Ronald McDonald" to your school and he talks to the kids about respect, drug awareness, etc. Turns out, they hire motivational speakers to do this. We had "Ronald" at our school a couple of years ago and the smaller kids really liked him. I contacted the McDonalds Corporate Headquarters in OakBrook Illinois. They require you to fill out an application, etc. There is no fee for the program. Thought you might like the info.
