Christina Johnston never eats McDonald's, but Monday night she made an exception.
Johnston joined her friends for dinner at McDonald's for "Happy Meals for Helping Kids," a fundraiser set up by the Ohana Executive team. An independent organization that raises money for the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Ohana helped employees serve food and work the cash registers of the McDonald's on 422 E. College Ave. to benefit the fundraiser.
From 5 to 8 p.m., 20 percent of the proceeds were donated to Thon.
"It's a lot of fun to see all the executive members working at McDonald's," Ohana Executive chairwoman Erin Ball (junior-communication arts and sciences and political science) said. "We're just jumping in, making McFlurries, grilling burgers and doing whatever we can to help."
Last year, Ohana donated more than $85,000 -- the third largest total donated by any independent organization.
As Thon's largest corporate donor, McDonald's has worked with Thon in the past to raise money, but this was the first time Ohana decided to work with employees for a fundraising event.
McDonald's Marketing Coordinator Rosemary Broome said that not only did she enjoy working with Ohana members, but the event also helped promote McDonald's upcoming 40th birthday celebration.
"They're a very supportive group to work with," Broome said. "We feel honored to both work with such a successful team and to benefit Thon as a whole."
Broome said that she plans to work with Ohana again in January for more Thon fundraising, and added that this year McDonald's will send a Ronald McDonald character to Thon.
Many students like Johnston (senior-art history), who don't usually eat at McDonald's, attended the event just to help Thon.
Katie Megnin (sophomore-communication sciences and disorders) said that she usually stops in McDonald's "for the occasional soda," but tonight she made sure her friends all knew about the event.
"I love it because it's a great cause," Megnin said. "It's neat to see people working together to support Thon."
Johnston, a member of the Ohana Executive team, said that Monday night's dinner was all for the kids.
"I never go to McDonald's, but I will eat McDonald's FTK," Johnston said.
"I think it's a really good idea because everyone goes to McDonald's anyway -- might as well use it to help Thon."
Outside of the restaurant, Broome and McDonald's mascots the Hamburglar and Grimace, thanked customers for attending the event.
"Ohana's been so great," Broome said. "We've been trying to recruit. They'll have applications going home with them."
