Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDoanld House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Michelle D’Amore (left) and Western Massachusetts McDonald’s owner-operator Scott Taylor pose with the Shamrock Shake in celebration of the fundraiser. Right now at participating McDonald’s, 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake ordered is donated directly to the local Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
WESTFIELD — It’s that time of year again when the legendary Shamrock Shake has returned to McDonald’s menus all across the nation, and local participating franchises alongside the team at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are using the annual sensation as a fundraising opportunity.
Until March 23 at participating McDonald’s, 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake sold is donated directly to the local Ronald McDonald House Charities. The beloved mint-flavored treat known for its iconic green color and creamy texture is a fan favorite returning each year for the restaurant.
The effort coincides with McDonald’s celebrating its 50th anniversary in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities and the typical two-week window has been stretched to six.
“We are so excited for the extended fundraising window this year and for our customers to have even more opportunities to come and support our goal,” said Western Massachusetts McDonald’s owner-operator Scott Taylor. “We encourage our customers to order a Shamrock Shake and be part of the community raising money for our local RMHC, which provides comfort, care and support for families with children receiving critical care in our local hospitals.”
Restaurants across New England have raised a combined $270,000 over the past three years for Ronald McDonald House Charities during the Shamrock Shake fundraiser, with McDonald’s customers in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut having helped raise $65,000 of that total. New England operators have set a goal of raising $100,000 this year.
“We are incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with McDonald’s and the privilege of collaborating on the Shamrock Shake promotion. The funds raised through this initiative make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts serve, ensuring they have a place of comfort and support while their children receive critical medical care,” said Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Michelle D’Amore. “This partnership is a testament to the power of community and the generosity of McDonald’s customers who help us provide hope and healing to families in need.”
Taylor owns eight restaurants locally and credited the team at the Westfield McDonald’s site at 299 E. Main St. for always doing “an outstanding job.” The celebration of the beloved mint-flavored treat took place at the Westfield location hosted by Taylor and the team from the RMHC who assisted staff in orders.
“This restaurant has already sold a lot of quarters since the start and it’s adding up quick,” joked Taylor on the $0.25 donation made with each purchase of the shake. “What’s special about this from my side anyways is there’s not too many retailers in the world who actually collect money and then give back to the communities they do business in. I’ve been involved with McDonald’s since 1985 and it’s always been a source of pride when we hear the stories about the families that our dollars raised here in the restaurant go to help. It’s something that we can do that’s tangible to give back to society.”
D’Amore added the local RMHC chapter is located in Springfield, and it costs the organization about $120 per night to house a family.
“No one is ever turned away so the work that Scott and his team are doing in terms of the Shamrock Shakes initiative, it really allows us to serve more families on an ongoing basis at no charge,” said D’Amore. “This is 50 years that McDonald’s has been selling the Shamrock Shakes. We as an organization, the first house opened 50 years ago in Philadelphia and it’s because of folks like Scott, and others over the past 50 years that we are able to continue to support our mission.”
