OUTDOORS

Ronald McDonald House gets Christmas present from Big Mac Classic

Special to The Log
Ronald McDonald along with McDonald’s Owner/Operator Mike Wright and Destin Fishing Rodeo executive director Helen Donaldson and Miss Destin Kira Moraca were on hand for the big check presentation.

The fourth annual Big Mac Classic Fishing Tournament, held on the docks  behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin,  proved to be an overwhelming success this year, raising more than $100,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida (RMHC of NWFL).

The House’s very own Santa, McDonald’s Owner/Operator Mike Wright has been the driving force behind the Destin event, growing the tournament from $15,000 in its inaugural year to this year’s big prize. Wright is quick to point out the drive and determination of his all-volunteer team.

“I’m humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity and support we have received. There are too many people who go unrecognized when an event of this magnitude reaches this level of success,” Wright said.

Wright and his team work so hard because they believe in helping families staying at the House when their children are sick or injured. They want to make sure none of those families have to worry about finding a place to sleep or where their next meal is coming from.

The Big Mac crew is already making plans for next year’s tournament, which thrills RMHC Executive Director Judy Burns.

“So many have already benefitted from the efforts of this group, and it is especially exciting for our home-away-from-home to be a part of this Destin tradition,” Burns said.

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida is to be the best Home-Away-From-Home and source of respite and resources for children and the families of children suffering a medical crisis. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida has been a lifeline of hope for families for the past 30 years. Since opening its doors in 1984, the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida has provided services for over 30,000 family members. Families served are primarily from the Panhandle of Florida. The House is locally owned and operated by generous community volunteers and donors; it is a local charity that is volunteer driven and community funded.