On Monday (Apr. 25) Sharon Weedman, of McDonald's (Wal-Mart Supercenter location), expressed a great deal of pride in the fact that they have raised over $1,300 so far in this effort.
"People have been so generous and so willing to give to such a good cause and I just can't thank people enough for all they have done to support us and the Ronald McDonald House," Weedman said.
Weedman also said on Monday that their goal is to reach $2,000 before the end of April.
"We will be taking donations until May 1, which is the last day for this year's drive," Weedman added.
While it seems that red, white and blue cards (with horses and names) appear to be taking over the walls and windows at the Wal-Mart McDonald's, Weedman explained that the horses are meant to coincide with the Kentucky Derby, which is traditionally held the first Saturday in May.
The Wal-Mart McDonald's also has another reason to be proud, namely, the determination and resolve of one employee to raise money by taking those horses "to the streets."
For George Lindsey, 64, a maintenance worker at the Wal-Mart McDonald's, this drive for the Ronald McDonald House is all about gratitude and raising money for "a noble and worthy cause."
Of the just over $1,300 raised so far, Lindsey has raised over $830 (and still counting) of it all by himself.
In his quest to raise money Lindsey has visited offices and businesses all around The Square and throughout the rest of Leitchfield.
"After I get off work I probably spend about three to four hours a day trying to sell the cards," Lindsey estimated.
However, his efforts aren't just confined to the city limits of Leitchfield.
He has also visited many businesses and stores in Caneyville and "I still have Clarkson and several places along Highway 62 to get to," Lindsey said.
Recently, Ronald McDonald personally visited two area nursing homes, Grayson Manor and Leitchfield Health Care Manor.
"Part of why I am doing this," Lindsey explained, "is in appreciation for Ronald's visit to Leitchfield Health Care Manor (where Lindsey's wife, Susan, is employed) and the residents there."
Although he admits he has never done any charity work before, apart from volunteering at the nursing home where his wife works, Lindsey says that this has been a wonderful experience, although he was a little skeptical at first.
"Sharon (Weedman) suggested to me one day that I should try to sell some of these horses, and even though I didn't know if I could do something like this, I told her I would try it anyway," Lindsey said.
And try he did.
Lindsey's efforts and hard work have paid off, as he is responsible for well over half of the horses sold at his restaurant.
"I have had so much fun doing this," Lindsey said, "I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and I have also proved to myself that I can do something like this."
He also says he doesn't want anything for his efforts, that he's not doing this for personal gain.
"No sir, I don't want anything out of it. The main reason I am doing this is to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
"In my experiences so far, I have met many people who have had friends and family stay at the Ronald McDonald House and I know they do a lot of great work for people who need the help,"
Lindsey says that everyone has been good to him during his campaign to sell horses and gain sponsors.
"I just want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for their kindness and generosity in donating," Lindsey said.
Post a Comment
