LOVE... with fries on the side
McDonald’s hosts Valentine’s Day dinner to raise funds for St. Felix Pantry
You usually think of a bouquet of roses — not a Big Mac — on Valentine’s Day. But dozens of people celebrated the holiday with dinner at McDonald’s on 1390 Rio Rancho Boulevard this year as a part of a fundraiser for St. Felix Pantry, a nonprofit that helps locals in need with such things as food, clothing, financial and utility assistance.
In all, 140 tickets to the event were sold, raising $8,500 for the pantry, according to organizers. Of that amount, $1,000 was a donation by a pantry volunteer.
“Our Valentine’s Dinner was a big success, especially being the first time we’ve done this,” said Clemy Garza, a McDonald’s owner and operator, who also served at the event. “Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and, best of all, we helped raise money for an important charity — St. Felix Pantry — which is essential in our community.”
Clemy’s father, Julian Garza, owns the restaurant that hosted the dinner. She said there are future plans to expand the event to more of their area locations.
Deacon Steve Rangel, CEO of St. Felix Pantry said, “St. Felix Pantry is grateful to Julian Garza and the staff at the Rio Rancho McDonald’s on 528 for all their help and support in making the event possible, as
well as to Mission Linen, who provided the use of the table linens, and Marriott Pyramid, who lent us the glass centerpieces. The pantry staff and volunteers have my deepest thanks for all they did to prepare for and serve at the dinner.
“Most of all, we appreciate everyone who supported us by buying the tickets to the dinner. This continues to prove how wonderful and caring the people of New Mexico are and how willing they are to help people in need.”