I am 1 in 8: Hamburgers, French Fries, and Lessons Learned for Fundraising

A few weeks ago, McDonald’s celebrated 1 in 8 Day—a nod to the fact that one in eight Americans has worked at the Golden Arches at some point in their life.

That 1 in 8 includes some pretty notable names:

• Pink – worked multiple fast-food jobs, including McDonald’s

• Rachel McAdams – worked there for three years and openly admits she wasn’t the best employee

• Sharon Stone – was a “fry girl” and learned early lessons in customer service

• Pharrell Williams – reportedly fired three times

• Jeff Bezos – worked the grill as a teenager, learning responsibility and management

• Mark Hamill – before Star Wars, he worked at McDonald’s

• Lin-Manuel Miranda – his time there inspired a song

And… Sharon Horowitz Kitroser, who at 17 was genuinely surprised she didn’t get fired for a slightly bad attitude.

That attitude stemmed from the fact that it was my last summer before college. I was ready to fly the nest—and deeply unimpressed with my light-blue polyester uniform, which was not flattering to my teenage body. (That’s why there is no photo.)

Years later, I can clearly see that the lessons I learned behind that counter have lasted throughout my entire career—and are especially valuable in the nonprofit world.

Lesson #1: Systems Matter

McDonald’s is the ultimate systems-dependent business. The real product isn’t the hamburger—it’s a consistent, predictable experience.

In simple terms: a burger made by a 17-year-old in Idaho should taste exactly the same as one made by a retiree in Indiana.

Nonprofits are no different.

You need systems:

• To track prospects and donors

• To accept and acknowledge gifts

• To deliver programs consistently

• To document knowledge and processes

Those systems become critical when you look at nonprofit turnover. Across the sector, turnover averages 19–21%, meaning roughly one in five nonprofit employees leaves each year. If your knowledge lives only in people’s heads, it walks out the door with them.

Lesson #2: Integrity Is Everything

McDonald’s keeps its promise to deliver the same product everywhere. That’s business integrity.

For Diet Coke fans, you know exactly what I mean—your “crispy cold” beverage tastes the same no matter where you order it.

For nonprofits, integrity can be summed up in one quote by author James Kouzes (though I often take credit for it):

“Do what you say you will do.”

Your word—your integrity—is your most powerful asset.

And then, show it. Share photos. Share results. Use social media and impact reports to demonstrate outcomes and highlight the individuals you helped because of donor support. That’s how you prove you did exactly what you promised to when you received their funds.

Lesson #3: Work as a Team

McDonald’s is incredibly specific about roles. The grill team cooks. The cashier rings people up. But without a cooked burger… what exactly would the cashier charge for?

Everyone in your organization is “best” at something. Tap that expertise when you need it.

You don’t need to be great at everything—just build a team around you that includes subject-matter experts.

We took this to heart when building Team Kat & Mouse. I am not an expert in everything. But with Amy’s expertise and Ben’s expertise, together we offer a range of fundraising knowledge that is truly unmatched.

Lesson #4: If You See a Napkin, Pick It Up

My least favorite phrase?

“That’s not my job.”

Some of my favorite phrases instead:

• “The person who can help you is ___.”

• “Let me get that information from ___ and get right back to you.”

Or, as the fine ladies and gentlemen at the Ritz-Carlton say:

“I own and immediately resolve guest (or donor) concerns.”

Ownership builds trust. Every time.

Lesson #5: Times Change—and That’s Okay

McDonald’s evolved. They added salads, McRibs, and regional specialties—some were winners.

Then there were epic failures: McPizza. The McDonald’s crab sandwich. Enough said.

The takeaway? Understand your donors and the people you serve.

If an idea is a Chicken Nugget, keep it.If it smells like a McCrabby Patty, cut your losses.

Stay true to your mission—and be nimble at the same time. The world changes. Don’t be afraid of thoughtful evolution that stays within your mission guardrails.

If this blog made you crave a burger and fries—go now. 🍔🍟

If it made you want to put these concepts to work in your organization in 2026, reach out to Team Kat & Mouse.

We’re nonprofit consultants focused on training, tactics, and tools—all designed to support your fundraising success.