7th Annual Unwrapping Holiday Wishes Event Brings Joy to Richmond Children
Now in its 7th year, Unwrapping Holiday Wishes is a collaborative initiative led by the VCU Alumni Association Richmond Chapter The VCU Alumni Association Richmond Chapter, in partnership with Richmond City Public Schools, McDonald’s, and Target to bring holiday cheer to Richmond-area children and support the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Annual Unwrapping Holiday Wishes event today at the Target in the White Oak Shopping Center on Laburnum Avenue in Richmond.
Photo by On Three Photography
When: December 10, 2024Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Target, White Oak Shopping Center, Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA
This annual event will provide over 100 children with a special holiday shopping experience where each individual will be able to spend up to $150 at this event. Each child will be paired with a volunteer shopping buddy to select clothes, shoes, and toys. In addition to shopping for themselves, children will pick out a gift to be donated to patients at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Meals for the children will be donated by McDonald’s, and Grimace will make a special appearance to add extra holiday cheer.
Dr. Cynthia Newbille, Richmond City Councilmember for the East End 7th Voter District and Cheryl Burke, Richmond School Board Representative for the 7th District, will be in attendance.
Volunteer Opportunity:A few volunteer spots remain for the 5:30 PM shift. Volunteers will assist children in selecting their items and creating lasting holiday memories. To sign up, email Christina at Christina@tfbagency.com. Media:
Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this heartwarming event. Interviews, photos, and additional details will be available on-site. Contact Christina Dick at Christina@tfbagency.com for more information or post-event assets.
“Our alumni are thrilled to join forces with Richmond City Public Schools and our incredible partners to create magical holiday memories for these children.”
Timmy Nguyen, VCU Alumni Association
“This event reminds us of the importance of community, generosity, and giving back during the holiday season.”
Dr. Cynthia Newbille, Richmond City Councilmember for the East End 7th Voter District
Photo by On Three Photography
Read More
Fans worldwide can now add McDonald’s new collectible cups to their collection beginning August 13
(CHICAGO – Aug. 7, 2024) – McDonald’s collectibles are as iconic as they come. From toys to vintage posters, plates, merch, games and trading cards, these keepsakes are more than just collector’s items – they unlock some of our fans’ favorite McDonald’s memories. Now, for a limited time, McDonald’s is introducing the global Collector’s Edition with new collectible cups that inspire fans to relive those special moments and create nostalgic joy for a new generation.
Available in more than 30 countries, the Collector’s Edition cups, in embossed glass or tritan plastic, put a fresh spin on classic McDonald’s keepsakes from the brand, Coca-Cola, Mattel, Universal, Sanrio or TY Beanie Babies. Each cup spotlights iconic collectibles from different eras that our fans cherish, like the Grimace Mug in 1976, Pet Lovin’ Barbie in 1999, Shrek from ‘Shrek the Third’ in 2007 and more. Inspired by a variety of iconic characters and collabs, now is your chance to grab these reimagined designs among many others – this time, emblazoned on McDonald’s brand-new collectible cups.
McDonald’s Collectible cups side by side image*Cup availability varies per market
“There’s an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to complete your collection. We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands,” said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s. “These new collectible cups commemorate some of our most unforgettable designs and global collaborations over the years, allowing longtime fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories.”
Whether you’re a collector, love the look, or simply feel nostalgic, check your McDonald’s App and/or local participating McDonald’s restaurant to see how you can snag the select Collector’s Edition cups available in your area.
Read More
This was one of my favorite Encorpreneur lectures.
“Kelly Lambert is a prominent neuroscientist known for groundbreaking research in brain plasticity and behavior. She and her students use preclinical animal models to learn more about the neurobiology of stress, resilience, depression, parenting, and natural enrichment. She may be most widely known for teaching rats to drive as a way to determine how to unlock the natural healing power of our brains.”
Here’s Dr. Kelly Lambert’s CBS segment: watch
Read More
Submit Your Work
McMasterpieces:Call For Entries Themed All Media Show to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Richmond VA: Entries due 10/31/24!
When I think of McDonald’s restaurants, I often think of iconic elements like the Golden Arches logo, the Big Mac, fries, and the PlayPlaces. It’s also known for its fast service and global presence, making it one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the world. The smell of fries, the sound of the drive-thru, and the variety of menu items that cater to different tastes are also key aspects that come to mind. What about you? What do you think of when you think of McDonald’s? For our McMasterpieces exhibit, we’re inviting artists to share their unique perspectives and interpretations of what McDonald’s means to them. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Submission Deadline: Extended! 10/31Submission Fee: $15 each up to 3 entries
Commission: 70 % to artists, 30% to CAC with 10% of sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House Charities
Artists Notified by: October 23, 2024, via Email
Artwork Drop Off: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 – Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 by Noon Exhibition Opening: Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5-8pm
Exhibition End Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Artwork Available for Artists to Pick Up: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Richmond (RMHC Richmond) is an independent, non-profit chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities. We provide a “home-away-from-home” for families with children receiving care at local area hospitals throughout the Richmond region. When a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. We believe no family should have to deal with their child’s medical crisis alone.
RMHC Richmond eases the hardship that families caring for sick children often face, through programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Through our core programs Ronald McDonald House® and Ronald McDonald Family Room®, RMHC Richmond keeps families with sick children together and close to the medical care their child needs. At leading local hospitals, RMHC Richmond provides unique family-centered care and services through the Ronald McDonald House Sibling Center, Hospitality Cart and Lunches with Love programs. These programs ensure that every family whose child needs access to specialty care in RVA has world-class temporary housing and support services and the opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s care.
And God Said, Let There Be Fries (Italian: E Dio disse, Sia fatta la Patatina) is a striking fresco by John Price, a contemporary artist, drawing inspiration from Michelangelo’s renowned The Creation of Adam. Playful but profound, this piece reimagines Michelangelo’s iconic work. In this latest addition to the McMasterpieces collection, the divine hand doesn’t offer the spark of life—but the perfect, golden McDonald’s fry. 🙌
The painting mirrors the iconic scene from the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, where God imparts life to Adam, but here, the divine spark is reimagined. Instead of the moment of human creation, we witness the creation of something equally revered in the modern world—McDonald’s fries. The hand of God extends outward, offering a perfectly crisp, golden fry, while the hand of man, mirroring God’s, reaches out, desperate to grasp the divine creation. The gap between their fingers remains, a symbolic nod to the unattainable perfection that McDonald’s fries represent—ever so close yet always leaving us yearning for more.
The golden arches are implied in the divine light, casting a sacred glow over the entire scene, reminding us of the eternal pursuit of satisfaction. This work evokes a sense of reverence for everyday indulgence, celebrating McDonald’s fries as a near-spiritual experience that transcends the mundane and approaches the divine. It captures the moment where the sacred meets the simple pleasures of life, reminding us that sometimes, a fry can feel almost divine.
Did you know that 1 in every 8 Americans has worked at McDonald’s? The artist, John Price, is part of this group. His personal connection to the Golden Arches makes his contribution to McMasterpieces even more compelling.
Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, John’s first job at McDonald’s wasn’t just a paycheck—it was a lesson in life. Facing poverty, with summers without electricity and winters without heat, McDonald’s provided more than just income. When he wasn’t sneaking a Chicken McNugget or two, John was in awe of the order and efficiency he witnessed as a fry cook. “I learned a lot more about structure at McDonald’s than I did at school,” he says. That sense of structure stayed with him, shaping his wide-ranging career—including service in the Army, selling cars, and co-owning a “paint and sip” business.
Today, John has put that discipline into his true passion—art. From portraits to murals to live wedding painting, John’s work captures moments of creativity and meaning. His journey from McDonald’s crew member to professional artist makes his involvement in this project all the more powerful. We think he deserves all the McNuggets he wants for the hard work he’s put into this piece for RMHC Richmond!
We’re so grateful to John and his heart of gold(en arches) for creating this piece and for helping us spread the word that starting today, October 1st, McMasterpieces is now accepting submissions.
🎨🍟 Calling All Artists: Submissions are NOW OPEN for McMasterpieces 🖼️
We are thrilled to announce that submissions are NOW OPEN for the McMasterpieces exhibit, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond! You have until 10/19 to enter your artwork on artcall.org. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or digital artist, all mediums are welcome, and we are on a mission to gather as many entries as possible.
Why submit?
Your artwork will directly support RMHC Richmond, whose mission is to keep families with sick children together, providing them with a ‘home away from home’ while their children receive treatment. RMHC Richmond offers comfort, care, and critical support for families in need, making a lasting impact on our community.
Don’t wait! Your art has the power to make a meaningful difference, and together we can create something truly extraordinary for an amazing cause. We’re excited to see the creativity and passion you’ll bring to this special project!
McMasterpieces at Crossroads Art Center
Deadline: 10/19
Exhibit Opening: 11/15 – Come see and shop!
Submit now, make your mark, and support RMHC Richmond.
Read MoreJoin our all-star panel as we tackle the exciting world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) campaigns in collegiate athletics. With the game-changing introduction of NIL legislation, athletes are emerging as the new MVPs of influence. PR professionals have the chance to step onto the field by strategically championing student-athletes.
From legal hurdles to offering winning strategies to PR power plays, this discussion will be filled with insights on how to navigate the field of NIL campaigns. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities in this evolving arena.
Panelists:PR Agency Expert in NIL Campaigns will moderate and share real-life examples of PR strategies and social media tactics tailored specifically for NIL campaigns, including McDonald’s partnership with UVA Athletics and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Gain legal perspectives and insights on navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding NIL agreements and contracts from an attorney specializing in NIL law.
A representative from an NIL Collective Cavalier Futures: Learn about the collective power and advocacy efforts of NIL groups, and explore collaborative opportunities to connect student-athletes to your brand, company, or cause.
Kellie Booth
Kellie Booth joins CavFutures with three years of experience in sports video production. Her previous roles included Video Coordinator for the Cornell University athletic department where she focused on creative video content and assisted with ESPN live broadcasts. She also served as a content creator for Athletux, an equestrian focused digital marketing agency.
At CavFutures Kellie assists student-athletes with brand-building, social media strategy, and sponsored partnerships. She heads the social accounts and creates content for CavFutures’ subscription service ‘CavClub’ which provides exclusive behind the scenes access to UVA fan’s favorite athletes, offers events, and more. She assists with marketing strategies for the collective itself through a digital, in-home, and in-venue advertising and also connects with local businesses to strategize and execute partnerships with student-athletes.
Kellie is a Charlottesville native, and grew up a UVA sports fan before attending Cornell University for her undergraduate degree. While attending Cornell University, she also captained the Cornell Women’s Varsity Polo team. Additionally, she spent time developing her interest in sports as the Director of Video for the student-led Big Red Sports Network. As a student at Cornell, Kellie studied Sociology with a focus on gender inequity in sports media. Her studies inspired her to pursue a career in athletics and contribute to the growing support for female athletes.
After graduating from Cornell University, Kellie attended UVA and to finish out her collegiate polo career while completing an accelerated master’s program. She received her M.S. in Marketing and Business Management at the McIntire School of Commerce this past August.
Kellie is proud to have returned to her hometown and to remain close to her family in Charlottesville. She lives with her sister and their yellow lab Pudge, named for her and her sister’s favorite baseball player growing up, Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez. She spends her free time as an assistant coach for Virginia Polo Center high school team.
Tricia Dunlap
During her first career as a high school teacher, Tricia earned national recognition as a James Madison Fellow and National Board Certified Teacher. After surviving a wrenching divorce and multiple floods in 2003, Tricia convinced reluctant local officials to pursue a Hazard Mitigation Program grant that bought out her home and three other chronic flood properties. That two-year odyssey, and a shove from a dear friend (more here), launched her into law school in 2008 as a 40-year-old single mother. She graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in the top of her class and joined McGuireWoods shortly afterward.
On September 1, 2015, she launched Dunlap Law with a mission to help small business owners thrive. Started without a single client and no outside capital, Tricia’s passion for helping business owners has drawn over 400 clients to the firm which now has five attorneys. Her biggest priority is building the firm’s culture centered on empowerment, education, and empathy with one another and with clients. Tricia is still a teacher.
Tricia’s expertise centers on corporate law. She helps companies and individuals navigate: fiduciary duties, shareholder rights and corresponding corporate obligations, boards of director decision-making or conflict issues, and corporate officer responsibilities. While her experience includes successfully litigating corporate law claims – both direct and derivative – she prefers working through issues without going to court. One of her happiest professional moments came after helping five shareholders work through conflict and mistrust that developed during the pandemic.
If you can’t find Tricia at the office, try searching the unspoiled temperate rain forests of West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands. From age 17 to 20, Tricia lived in Knoxville while attending the University of Tennessee. There, she lived in an 1840’s-era log cabin and fell in love with Appalachia. Today, Tricia and her husband Kenny have a blended family of five fantastic adult children. They are fortunate stewards of 163 acres of mountain forest and meadowlands. They participate in local historic preservation efforts, West Virginia’s Golden Winged Warbler program, and pollinator conservation efforts while they thoughtfully develop the land for their retirement home and as a refuge for future generations.
Christina Dick
Christina Dick is the founder of Tiramisu For Breakfast, a social media-focused marketing and PR strategic consulting firm.
She’s worked with national brands McDonald’s, GEICO, Kraft Brands, Walmart, and sweetFrog, as well as local Richmond startups KINIS Barefoot and The Tooth Brigade. Christina began her career in advertising at The Martin Agency and worked at Capital One and Big River Advertising before launching Tiramisu For Breakfast Agency in 2016.
Christina was named by Richmond’s Style Weekly Magazine as one of Richmond’s Top 40 Under 40 recipients for the class for 2017 and VCU Alumni’s 10 Under 10. She is an adjunct professor of social media at VCU’s School of the Arts and has taught with VCU’s Da Vinci Center. VCU Robertson School. She serves on the advisory board of the VCU Robertson School of Media & Culture, the board of the Public Relations Society of America’s Richmond Chapter, and is the former president of the Advertising Club of Richmond.
Read More