Top McDonald’s Exec To Speak At Annual Giveaway
By Patrick Sheridan
The holidays will arrive a little early this year for 400 outstanding 6th graders, when they receive a free bicycle and helmet, thanks to McDonald’s restaurant owner Geta Asfaw.
“These kids have been selected by their schools for their academics, their involvement in their community and their superior citizenship,” Asfaw said.
During the presentation at the Auraria Campus Event Center on Dec. 16, the students and their parents will enjoy a banquet in their honor and will hear from several successful people of color, including former Colorado Lt. Gov. Joe Rogers, former Denver City Council President Elbra Wedgeworth and McDonald’s USA President Don Thompson.
“Seeing the looks on their faces when they get their new bicycles is unbelievable, but it’s also important for us to show them that it’s not about where you are today, but where you are going to be in 10 or 20 years. It’s important to help keep them focused and motivated,” said Asfaw.
He is especially excited to have Thompson, one of only three African-American presidents of Fortune 500 companies, as the keynote speaker.
"The work that Geta and Janice are doing in Denver is fantastic, and I, along with the rest of the McDonald's family, are always happy to support the health and well-being of children through community events like this or through Ronald McDonald House Charities,”Don Thompson said. “I've been fortunate to have known the Asfaws for more than 10 years and have seen first-hand their tireless commitment to the Denver community."
This is the second year of the giveaway. Last year, through the Asfaw Family International Foundation’s “Arches of Hope” program, 50 bicycles were given away. The target is 500 or more next year.
“There always needs to be more to life than making a profit. The number one thing is to give back to the community. It is important to give back what you’ve been given,” said the successful restaurant owner and entrepreneur.
Giving back to the community is a common practice for Asfaw. On Nov. 15, he closed his Colorado Boulevard restaurant and served hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners to senior citizens – for his 17th year.
“It’s turkey with all the trimmings. It’s just great to see our seniors together, sharing a dinner and having a wonderful time,” he commented.
Asfaw is also active in the McDonald’s Advancing Student Achievement Program, cosponsored with the East YMCA to support early learning and self-esteem building for 2nd and 3rd graders through tutoring and mentoring. Asfaw has sponsored NAACP voter registration drives, and works with the University of Colorado Athletic Mentor Program and Denver Kids, Inc., among many other nonprofit organizations.
“It all comes from education. If we educate ourselves, we educate our children and we are able to make an imprint on our community. It doesn’t have to be a big change. It can be small and we can do it one person at a time, one community at a time,” he explained.
From Medicine To McNuggets
In 1979, Asfaw came to America from Ethiopia to study medicine. He enrolled at the University of Washington and paid for much of his college while working at Seattle-area restaurants. Despite his busy schedule, he became a community leader as vice president of the African Student Union and president of the Seattle Chapter of the Ethiopian Student Union of North America. Everything was going according to plan until events half a world away changed that.
“The goal was always to become a doctor and return to Ethiopia, but there was a coup d’etat and that made it too risky for many of us to return,” he said.
Asfaw changed majors to political science and later earned his master’s degree in international relations. But, like many sons, he ended up following in his father’s footsteps – developing into a businessman. Asfaw spent time in real estate, car sales and the food industry, eventually becoming an owner-operator of a 7-11 convenience store in Seattle.
“McDonald’s gave a (franchise) presentation to us, and I thought it looked like a great opportunity. My first chance for a store was in Denver at 6th and Broadway. I took it. I was surprised how nice the weather was in Denver,” he said.
Along with other business ventures, Asfaw and his wife of 31 years, Janice, now own stores at Colorado and Martin Luther King Boulevard, Broadway and Alameda, Colfax and Osage, the Wal-Mart Center in Stapleton, and the Auraria Campus.
“I’m glad I didn’t become a doctor. I think it is more satisfying to be a businessman. I have a great life. I provide jobs and opportunities for young people. I can be involved in the community. There are a lot of opportunities for everyone in America. Around the world, it is a big dream. In America, it is a reality. I’m just one example of it,” he proclaimed.
The Asfaws have three children: sons Eli, 24, and Abraham, 15; and daughter Desta, 22.
“I try to teach them to stay focused on whatever they’re doing. Don’t be average. It’s okay to be better than average,” their successful father emphasized.
Ruthanne & Bee, This is a sidebar that should be put in a separate box with the above story. Hopefully, you should have a photo of Thompson to go with it.
Thompson of McD’s USA – Rare Black Leader In The Fortune 500
In 2006, Don Thompson became the president of McDonald’s USA, noted as one of only three African-American presidents of Fortune 500 companies.
Thompson started his career at McDonald’s in 1990, as an electrical engineer and quickly rose through the executive ranks. In 2000, he held the position of director of operations for the Denver region, and in 2005, he became the executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Thompson was recently named Black Enterprise magazine’s 2007 Executive of the Year.
“Thompson meets every criterion you could name for judging an exec’s capabilities – be it management skills, creative problem solving or that indefinable clairvoyance that comes into play when making the right decision. His strategy for making McDonald’s a more profitable company began with making it a better company. The proof is in the balance sheet,” said Black Enterprise Magazine founder and publisher Earl G. Graves Sr.
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