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A Long-standing Relationship
Coca-Cola’s support for RMHC more than financial
The Coca-Cola Company is tremendously involved not just with our Chapter here in Atlanta, but at every level of RMHC worldwide. They feel such pride in our Charity.
— Linda Morris, executive director of Atlanta RMHC
Gianfranco, a 4-year-old from Venezuela who is staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, reaches to put money into a vending machine donated by Coke.
Whether through major event sponsorships or vending machines in Ronald McDonald Houses, The Coca-Cola Company has supported RMHC since the first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974. During that time, the company has provided millions of dollars in contributions to the RMHC global office and has been a major sponsor of local fundraising events benefiting local RMHC Chapters and their programs.
The company’s involvement with RMHC is built upon its long-standing commitment to its clients and its business partnership with McDonald’s. Mark O’Shaughnessy, former president of the McDonald’s Group at The Coca-Cola Company, was instrumental in growing and strengthening the Coke-RMHC partnership. Mark believed that his company’s support shouldn’t end with a check. He made a personal commitment to the Charity and encouraged the rest of his company to do the same.
Widespread Involvement
Coke’s support of RMHC extends beyond its cash contributions. The company donates stocked vending machines for every House. Coke employees and their families are actively involved with their local Chapters. They volunteer for fundraisers, help with capital campaigns and serve on local RMHC boards.
In fact, Jerry Wilson, president of Coca-Cola McDonald’s division, currently serves on the Board of the local RMHC Chapter in Atlanta, where Coke is headquartered. Largely because of his involvement, Coke employees and The Coca-Cola Foundation established a memorial fund in Mark’s name for the new 50-bedroom House in Atlanta, set to open in 2008. The fund symbolizes Mark’s support of the Charity.
“The Coca-Cola Company is tremendously involved not just with our Chapter here in Atlanta, but at every level of RMHC worldwide,” says Linda Morris, executive director of Atlanta RMHC. “They feel such pride in our Charity.”
Coke employees also volunteer at local Houses. They clean, prepare meals, do yard work and interact with guests. Sometimes they donate tickets to sporting and other entertainment events to children and their families. “Through the years, Coca-Cola employees from all over the world have embraced this great Charity in a very personal, very committed and altruistic way,” says Mike Slocum, Coca-Cola liaison to RMHC. “Giving of time, energy and heart makes the financial support go much further.”
The people of Coke don’t view their volunteerism as a corporate obligation. They believe it’s a personal responsibility.
Engaging your business in support of RMHC will help seriously ill and injured children and their families, provide access to care where it is most needed and will also encourage social responsibility and citizenship. To join the network of RMHC sponsors, learn more about becoming a corporate partner.
