Oscarson: Would you like fries with that public service?

Although Assemblyman James Oscarson generally spends his days serving the public by representing their interests in the Legislature, he spent Thursday morning serving them in another way — pouring coffee at McDonald’s as part of the restaurant’s Green for Grads fundraiser.

The annual event raises money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas scholarship program by donating $1 from every extra value meal sold to the charity.

Politicians and other community leaders across Southern Nevada were scheduled to take part in the event, working at the restaurant’s various locations to generate interest in the fundraising effort.

“This is, as you know, a great opportunity for McDonald’s. I think last year they gave out about $60,000 in scholarships. A dollar from some of the meals, I think it’s the value meals, go into a pool and they give it to the graduating seniors as scholarships,” Oscarson said at the event. “It’s all funded through Ronald McDonald House. My goal is to make sure, and I’m not saying they haven’t, but I want to make sure we get some of that money into the Pahrump area, Pahrump Valley High School and Beatty and all of those areas as well.”

Pahrump Store Supervisor Carol Tamayo said last year Green for Grads raised approximately $52,600. When coupled with the charity’s other fundraising efforts, she said RMHC of Greater Las Vegas was able to raise more than $367,000, which allowed them to provide 149 scholarships to Southern Nevada high school seniors.

“McDonald’s is dedicated to the communities it serves, and the company strives to play an active role in supporting local youth through the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas Scholarship Program. McDonald’s franchises across Southern Nevada also participate in a wide variety of additional programs that promote children’s education and literacy throughout the year,” Tamayo said.

“Many politicians at the city, county and state levels volunteered time from their busy schedules today to work at local McDonald’s locations. Their participation serves to help generate interest in the Green for Grads fundraising event throughout Southern Nevada. McDonald’s is grateful for the support from such a wide variety of political leaders, which reflects their commitment to help local students and contribute to important community efforts.”

To be eligible to earn one of the RMHC scholarships, applicants must be currently enrolled as a high school senior in Nye or Clark counties, be under the age of 21 and have a minimum 2.7 grade point average.

Additionally applicants must be eligible to enroll in, and also plan to attend, an institution of higher education or vocational or technical school following graduation.

The scholarships are awarded through the local chapters of the RMHC.

Oscarson said he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent serving the restaurant’s patrons Thursday, noting it was a good way to connect with people while working for a worthy cause.

“I had a great time. There’s so many things we don’t get to do, we don’t get to connect anymore and this is a great opportunity to do that. I’m going to try to come do something like this next month. Not for this particular program, but I’ll see if one day I can get Sen. Goicoechea down here and we can spend the morning pouring coffee and visiting with folks,” he said.

For more information about the RMHC of Great Las Vegas scholarship fund visit www.rmhlv.com.