COMMUNITY members joined McDonald’s Saipan in celebrating its 30th anniversary on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
“We are grateful to the community for the support that they give us not only today in celebration of our anniversary, but for the 30 years — thank you Saipan!” said Joe Erra Ayuyu Jr., vice president and owner/operator of McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan.
Ayuyu said since McDonald’s is a family business, they are celebrating their anniversary by supporting the Public School System through the “Race to Raise” promotion which ended on Sunday, March 19.
Community members who purchased McDonald’s products worth at least $15 could drop their receipts into a drop box at McDonald’s Garapan or Chalan Laulau.
The top three schools with the most receipts won $5,000 (first prize), $3,000 (second prize) and $2,000 (third prize).
All CNMI public elementary schools participated: Sinapalo on Rota, Tinian, Gregorio T. Camacho, Koblerville, Kagman, Garapan, San Vicente and Oleai.
The promotion’s goal was to provide public elementary schools with additional funds so they can, among other things, purchase supplies for teachers and students.
Balloons, fun and dancing
Saturday’s anniversary celebration at McDonald’s Chalan Laulau was highlighted by dancing, singing, music and free pouches and balloons for children.
Hapi D’ Clown as Ronald McDonald also entertained visitors and customers.
The guest performers included the Marianas High School Glee Club, Grace Christian Academy ballerina Fiona Yum, William S Reyes Elementary School first graders, Garapan Elementary School students and the Te Ivi Maori dancers.
A customer who was visiting the island said McDonald’s Saipan is comparable to its counterparts in the states.
“The standards are the same. I especially like the quarter-pounder,” she said.
McDonald’s staff interviewed by Variety said they are thankful to management and are hopeful for the future.
“We have very good bosses. I am very grateful to the owners…and everyone from the management team for the support that they give us, their employees,” said Charlie Achas who manages McDonald’s warehouse.
Leonard Cabanting, purchasing assistant of McDonald’s Saipan and Guam, said they are “looking forward to more years of serving McDonald’s and the community. We also wish for more fruitful years.”
He said he is proud to be an employee of McDonald’s.
Marissa Obtinalla, McDonald’s accountant; Ruthzel Perez, general manager of McDonald’s Garapan; Joyce Asistores, general manager of McDonald’s Chalan Laulau; Narme Mendoza, McDonald’s computer support specialist; and Leonard Cabanting, purchasing assistant pose for a photo with Hapi D’ Clown as Ronald McDonald during the 30th anniversary celebration of McDonald’s Saipan at its Chalan Laulau branch on Middle Road, Saturday, March 18, 2023.
