Receives $100k Grant from McDonald’s
(CHICAGO – Feb. 22, 2022) – For decades, Platinum Sound Marching Band has been a staple at Shaw University, one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. To support Platinum Sound’s tradition of bringing joy to sports fans and the local community, McDonald’s USA and its local Owner/Operators surprised the Band with a $100,000 grant on Feb. 19 during the University’s Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament (CIAA) send-off ceremony.
“This grant is beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Andrae King, current director and former member of Platinum Sound. “It means everything to these students who grind day in and day out to bring energy and excitement to others to get so much love and support back from McDonald’s and the community.”
Platinum Sound’s longstanding legacy of entertaining crowds through elite musicianship and showmanship was recently celebrated in a national McDonald’s commercial. Through the lens of current Platinum Sound member, Dave Walters, Jr. and his mother, a musician and Shaw alumna, the spot highlighted the local McDonald’s restaurant’s role as a familiar gathering place for Shaw students across generations.
While filming, McDonald’s was inspired by Platinum Sound’s commitment to excellence and the University’s unwavering efforts to support these students artistically, academically and financially. Shortly after leaving campus, the brand was moved to further assist these musicians through this grant.