Valley schools lovin’ McDonald’s as fund drive serves up supersize donation.

Imperial County schools got to put the financial feedbag on thanks to local McDonald’s restaurants that collaborated in the fifth annual McTeacher’s Night Challenge to raise funds for education.

There were 14 schools from across the county that participated throughout February where school staff from each spent a two hour shift serving at the El Centro and Brawley McDonald’s owned by Abelardo Martinez and the Calexico McDonald’s owned by Jose Leon.

A total of $5,700 was raised. The schools get to keep 20 percent of the sales receipts plus any tips they receive. Topping the list was the Myron D. Witter Elementary School in Brawley which earned $780 in tips, plus its 20 percent of sales receipts, as well as the $1,000 grand prize.

Witter Principal Debra Hale stood in the lobby, collecting tips and kept track of students as she rewarded the class with the most participation.

“It was great to see so many teachers and classified staff make the night a success,” said Hale. “It also lets students see the staff in an environment other than school which made it exciting for the students.”

Having won the top spot three years in a row, J.W. Oakley Elementary School in Brawley, had to settle for second place but Principal Craig Casey collected $515 in tips and declared it a great community event.

“Each year, I like to send all of Oakley students to the movies,” Casey said. “And I think that’s one reason why we do so well with fund raising each year, because the kids know we’ll reward them with a trip to the movies.”

Miguel Hidalgo Elementary School finished in third place. And although Principal David Ramos could not participate himself as he was attending a professional development conference in Phoenix, “I was there in spirit,” he stressed.

“It was an opportunity to bring the Hidalgo community together and let students see staff at a different venue, helping to serve hamburgers,” said Ramos.

Daniel Sandoval, Brawley McDonald’s general manager, hosted Witter, Oakley, Hidalgo and Phil Swing Elementary School and remarked it was always fun and good to see the smiling faces.

“This year, it felt like it was one of the smoothest operations of all years,” said Sandoval. “I felt like the teachers did a really good job.”

Events also went very well at the Calexico McDonald’s, noted Emmanuel Leon, director of operations.

“It brings families and the community together,” he said. “We’re always delighted to work with local schools and raise funds for education.”

Commenting on the proceedings, local McDonald’s proprietors Leon and Martinez said in a press release, “We take great pride as local business owners in giving back to our community.”