Michigan McDonald's donates app sales to college sports

McDonald's owners and operators across Michigan will raise funds for 341 local high school sports programs on October 3rd.

During the College Sports Digital Fundraising Day, 20% of all sales purchased through the McDonald's app will be donated to local sports programs.

Each local McDonald's restaurant has selected a high school in its community to donate 20% of all mobile app sales on October 3, according to a press release. Each identified high school will receive at least $250.

Several high schools across the Thumb were selected, including Bad Ax High School, Cass City Jr/Sr High School and Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School.

Bad Ax Public Schools athletic director Mike Bogan expressed his approval of the fundraiser.

“I think it’s a great idea and I encourage all Huron County residents to get involved and support all of our local schools,” Bogan said. “Any time a local business is willing to help an area school district is wonderful.”

Bogan continued to say that the donated funds would go back into the athletic program, but did not provide details on how they would be used.

Cass City Athletic Director Brett Ross said this fundraiser will do good for both the athletic program and the Cass City community.

“This fundraiser is a great opportunity for our community and our local McDonald's to help provide additional funding for our athletic programs,” Ross said. “We are so grateful to have an outstanding support program and school administration that provides our student-athletes the resources they need to compete at a high level.”

According to Ross, the money donated to Cass City will go directly back to the students in the form of sport-specific training equipment.

Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School athletic director and dean Joel Brinkman said he is grateful for the fundraiser and the opportunities the funding brings.

“The fundraiser is critical to our athletic program as it helps support our student-athletes and enhance their experience,” Brinkman said. “Funds raised will be used for essential equipment, facility improvements and team travel expenses. The contribution will have a direct impact on our ability to provide high quality training and competition opportunities and ensure our athletes can be successful both on and off the field.”

This year marks the first time Michigan operators are hosting a digital fundraiser for college sports. Ohio last year became the first to launch this type of fundraising effort to support high school athletics in the communities they serve.

Jim Luth, owner and operator of the Thumb area McDonald's, said in a news release that this is the first time Michigan has participated in this fundraiser.

“This is the first time that owners and operators across the state have come together in one day to show our support for athletics in the communities we serve,” Luth said. “We hope local communities will support their high schools and help us make Digital High School Sports Fundraiser Day a success across the country.”

The McDonald's app is available for download in the Apple App Store and the Android Google Play Store. The McDonald's app gives customers access to exclusive offers, order ahead and skip the line with Mobile Order & Pay. They can also join MyMcDonald's Rewards to earn points with every order that they can redeem for free at McDonald's.