John Mills Staff Clocks-In to McTeacher's Night for Misericordia

Mer Fenton, Marketing & Publishing Specialist
Dec 12 2024

As John Mills students and their families dined at the Franklin Park McDonald’s on October 24th, they got the thrill of being served by their very own teachers.

Through the McTeacher Night program, the John Mills community raised $1,746.05 for Misericordia Heart of Mercy Hospital. For the hours worked by volunteer John Mills teachers and staff, John Mills received 20% back on all food sales, and 100% of all pie profits. McDonald’s donated multiple cases of pies, and patrons would give a donation of their discretion in exchange for a pie. 

Organized by Secretary Denise Wurtz, this is John Mills’s second year putting on the event. Staff chose to donate to a cause personally affecting families in the school. Last year, they gave to Lurie Children’s Hospital, and this year the money is going to Misericordia.

“We have some families in the school supported by Misericordia,” said John Mills Principal Frank Kuzniewski. “While we couldn't directly hand them the money, we thought, let's support the hospital. I just wanted it to be meaningful to our families.” 

All pie sales went directly to John Mills

 

This year, 20 teachers and school staff members volunteered for two-hour shifts each. Guided by the McDonald's staff, John Mills volunteers jumped into the fast-paced food service role. Learning on the job, they picked up just how much went into making the place run smoothly.

“The McDonald’s staff there were so wonderful, patient, and kind. They had no problems with all of the craziness,” said Wurtz. “I think they enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Along with the fundraising and excitement for John Mills students, Kuzniewski appreciates the insight it gave him and his staff. 

“It gives you a completely different perspective,” says Kuzniewski  “Last year I worked the drive-thru, and am never going to get mad when someone screws up my order again.” 

John Mills staff took turns working different stations in McDonald's

Wurtz is thrilled with the turnout, and is excited to continue the event as it is quickly gaining a reputation amongst staff and families. Her only regret is that she had not heard about the program earlier; Franklin Park franchise owner Chris Pruncel has been running McTeacher nights at his locations for over 20 years. Wurtz sees it as a wonderful resource for all schools in the area. For Kuzniewski, the event signifies the larger community supporting each other from start to finish. 

This McTeacher Night was hosted at Pruncel’s newest location. John Mills thanks Pruncel’s hospitality, McDonald’s staff, supporting families, and the work Misericordia does.

“It’s a win-win-win situation”, Kuzniewski said. 

All donations go towards Misericordia, which serves multiple John Mills families.