Local News

Former McDonald’s restaurant business owner visits Rutland City McDonald’s on 1,000-mile fundraising walk

By Ed Larson

Dressed in bright garb showing displaying his love of Ronald McDonald House efforts to provide lodging for the families of children undergoing medical treatment, Dwight Barnes of Deerfield, New Hampshire, walked into the South Main Street McDonald’s restaurant Monday, Sept. 21.

Barnes showed enthusiasm that his goal will be reached, while taking pictures with staff and some family members.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Barnes walked down along Route 7 in Middlebury to the McDonald’s there.

Barnes hopes to raise $250,000 in his journey, which has already covered 659 miles. Initially, Barnes had the goal of $100,000.

Barnes stated that Ronald McDonald House had to cancel many fundraising activities due to the Covid 19 pandemic, so he made his “Join The Journey Home” walk goal to a quarter of a million dollars.

At age 65, Barnes owned and operated McDonald’s restaurants in Raymond and Epping, New Hampshire for some 40 years.

Dwight Barnes makes it a point to stop at each McDonald’s Restaurant along his route, some 65 in all, and takes time to meet with and thank employees, staff, and patrons for their support of the Ronald McDonald House New England Charity.

The walk can be followed on Facebook and Twitter as well as Instagram by logging on to #JoinTheJourneyHomeRMHCNE.

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