Our Relationship with McDonald's

Ronald McDonald House Charities® has been McDonald’s "charity of choice" for 36 years, since the first Ronald McDonald House® was established in Philadelphia, with the help of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. Founded in 1980, the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego was the 20th in a family that has grown to more than 300 Houses worldwide.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, but McDonald's is our largest corporate donor. About 10% of the annual operating budget for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is funded by McDonald's and owner/operators of local McDonald's restaurants. The remaining 90% of our annual operating income comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.

McDonald’s involvement extends beyond monetary support:

• Franchises partner with local Chapters for promotional and fundraising events.
• McDonald’s employees volunteer at Ronald McDonald Houses.
• McDonald's Owner/Operators serve on Ronald McDonald House Charities' boards.
• RMHC Donation Boxes hosted in restaurants are the largest source of ongoing RMHC Global fundraising.
• All funds from in-restaurant sales of USA Today are all donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
• Since 2002, the annual McDonald's fundraiser, McHappy Day, has raised $170 million for RMHC and children's charities around the world. 
   

We are grateful to McDonald's for its lead role in funding Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide.