Making money with music

People who enjoy music and a quick meal in a 1950's era restaurant can help out local organizations just by dropping some coins in the jukebox.

The retro-themed McDonald's restaurant on Downer Street in Baldwinsville offers a fundraiser to local organizations that is fun, unique and easy for customers and beneficiaries. The Baldwinsville Messenger recently interviewed Margaret Gaimari, the community relations representative for McDonalds Restaurants owned by Paul Ross, to get the details on this program.

What is the jukebox fundraiser program?

The jukebox fundraiser program is a program that Paul Ross set up to give something back to the community who supports his restaurant. All the proceeds from the jukeboxes in his Baldwinsville restaurant are given to a different local organization monthly. So, every time someone drops a coin into the jukebox it benefits the designated organization of the month.

How and where did the idea originate? Why?

When the restaurant was relocated across the street from the old location and there was a retro theme, Mr. Ross thought it would be a nice way to assist the community.

Are there other McDonald's that offer this fundraiser?

This is the only McDonald's in the area that I know about who does a work free fundraiser.

What is the response from the community?

Since we reopened the Rock 'N' Roll restaurant, we have donated $20,294 to local organizations. How well we do in a month depends on the organization and how well they get the word out to the people who support their organization. If you don't let everyone know that your organization will receive the proceeds for a certain month, there is no extra incentive to drop a couple of extra coins in the jukeboxes.

What qualifications does an organization have to meet in order to be eligible to participate in this fundraiser?

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