CONTRIBUTED Principal Larry DiPalma serves at the drive-through window.
Teachers and PTO volunteers donned bright green shirts and volunteered to work at the restaurant for 3 hours as part of the McTeacher’s program that McDonald’s offers. The program donates 15 percent of all purchases directly back to the school.
Over 20 teachers and PTO members volunteered to make burgers, scoop french fries, make happy meals, and mix shakes to a packed McDonalds.
Mr. Larry DiPalma, Prendergast School Principal worked in the drive-thru window.
“When I was a teenager, I used to work at a McDonald’s for two years, but it was nothing like this,” DiPalma said. “I am so pleased at how many of our families came out to support the school.”
Beth Williams, fourth grade teacher who was in charge of making french fries said, “It has always been a dream of mine to work the frialator and make french-fries, but the best part of the night was to see all our teachers work together as a team and to have so many families come to see us.” At the end of the night, store manager Nancy Contreras informed the teachers that they had raised over $700.
Contreras also said, “I am so happy with the turn out. The restaurant was packed and everyone was helping out, if some of these volunteers ever give up teaching, I will gladly find a spot for them to work here.”
Lorri Shortell, PTO President, organized the event and was very pleased with the outcome. She stated that the money from the event will help to fund end-of-the-year activities such as Student Appreciation Days and Field Days. Events like this are part of the PTO’s new initiative to not only raise funds but also build a sense of community within the school. “Events like this are a great opportunity for us to help raise money, and parents and kids get to come out and socialize with each other at the same time.” said Shortell.
The next school fundraiser will be the annual Dad’s Club Dodgeball Tournament to be held on May 5 at 10 a.m. at Prendergast School. Anyone interested in participating should contact Assistant Principal Joe Apicella at 203 – 736-5080 or japicella@ansonia.org.
