McDonald’s Celebrates the Grand Opening of Midfield Restaurant with $500,000 Donation to Miles College
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on October 18, 2022 Today the Midfield McDonald’s on Phillips Drive held a grand opening celebration while supporting the community it serves. The festivities, which took place from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., included McDonald’s Owner/Operator Larry “Dale” Thornton Jr. presenting Dr. Bobbie Knight, president of Miles College, with a gift of $500,000, a multi-tiered philanthropic commitment to benefit Miles College’s current and future students through scholarships, leadership development, and endowment enhancement funds. During the ceremony, renovations to the restaurant, including a new dining room, self-order kiosks and delivery pick-up were showcased. In attendance were representatives from both Miles College and McDonald’s, as well as community support from Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales. McDonald’s also welcomed two representatives from Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s office, Yolanda Clayton and Nefsa’Hyatt Brown. The support from local and federal elected officials for Miles College and the community was astounding and greatly appreciated. The new restaurant opening brings new job opportunities to the community. "Just as our restaurant is located in the heart of our community, we have a deep care for the customers who make up that community,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator Dale Thornton. “We wanted our grand opening to be a celebration and it was the perfect time to show our support for my alma mater with funds that will be impactful for students now and for years to come. I would also like to thank McDonald’s Corporation for their generosity in this gift to Miles College which personally means so much to me.” Dr. Steven Hairston, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Development at Miles College, thanked Dale Thornton and said, “I am extremely proud of Dale as a businessman, alumnus of Miles College, and my Kappa fraternity brother for this transformational gift to Miles College. This gift will not only have an impact on our current students but for generations to come.” This multifaceted gift of $500,000 includes $250,000 in planned giving, $150,000 for leadership development, $50,000 from McDonald’s USA, $25,000 annual contributions as a leadership gift, and $25,000 for financial literacy training and development also for students to establish an investment club. The Thornton Enterprises Family Celebration Day included a special appearance by Midfield High School cheerleaders, face painting, menu item promotions, prizes, and McDonald’s App download giveaways. Thornton’s donation will be recognized at Miles College Homecoming halftime show. ### About McDonald’s USA McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook. www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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