O.C. Johnson wins McTeacher's Night Challenge

Throughout February, 12 local schools held fundraisers at McDonald's restaurants for their schools.

O.C. Johnson Elementary School raised the most at $583.91 and received an additional $1,000 prize for winning the McTeacher's Night Challenge. It also received $438 in tips and donations.

“It was amazing to see such student, family, friend, community and staff participation in this event to help support the children of O.C. Johnson School. We cannot thank our local McDonald's enough for this opportunity,” said Principal Tom Neuman.

“The monies generated through this event will be utilized to help fund a new shade structure at our school and perhaps some additional recess equipment.”

As part of McTeacher's Night, a portion of McDonald's sales during a two-hour period benefited each school that participated. The school's principal and teachers greeted customers and worked the registers. Families of students and local school supporters visited McDonald's and tipped their teachers to help raise additional funds.

The McDonald's restaurants, owned by Joe Johnson and Jose Leon, raised $12,000 for 23 Yuma and Imperial Valley schools.

“We were delighted to bring this McTeacher's Night Challenge to the Yuma and Imperial Valley communities and work with our local schools to raise money for education,” said Johnson and Leon. “We take great pride as local business owners in giving back to our community.”

Other schools that participated from Yuma were James D. Price Elementary, Pueblo Elementary, Mesquite Elementary, Fourth Avenue Junior High, Salida del Sol Elementary, Palmcroft Elementary, Pecan Grove Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Yuma Lutheran, Gary Knox Elementary and Suverkrup Elementary.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.