McDonald’s Honors Public Relations Legend Al Golin – a True McDonald’s Pioneer

Few people have left a greater mark on McDonald’s than public relations legend Al Golin who passed away over the weekend at the age of 87. A cold call from Al to McDonald’s Founder Ray Kroc in 1957 began a 60-year relationship between McDonald’s and Al’s namesake public relations agency.
 
Al Golin had a vision for McDonald’s early on that shaped who we are today, and made us proud to tell our story. He elevated that story beyond food to make sure McDonald’s had a place in communities by playing an integral role in the expansion of Ronald McDonald House Charities and the creation of McDonald’s All-American Games.
 
“McDonald’s owes Al a tremendous debt of gratitude for all he accomplished in his partnership with us,” says McDonald’s President Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook. “We have benefitted for decades from his wisdom and leadership, from his friendship and his support.”
 
To honor Al’s legacy, McDonald’s has made a donation to RMHC of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. The funds will refurbish and expand a special library and family space in Al’s name at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital.
 
“Al was a pioneer who always advocated for families who had to travel far from home to get the best medical care for their sick children,” said Sheila Musolino, president and CEO, RMHC. “He was a champion for our Charity, including the first Ronald McDonald House in Chicago when it was founded 40 years ago. McDonald's donation to the library and family space located in the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital will honor Al's love of reading and his generous spirit.”