With Binghamton's Parade Day coming up this weekend and St. Patrick's Day shortly following, I know one way I'll be celebrating...with those once a year, little green treats from Heaven. The Shamrock Shake!

Most people know and love the delicious mint flavor of the one and only McDonald's Shamrock Shake, but do you know the story behind it?

Well, the Shamrock Shake has been around since 1970, but in 1974 when Philadelphia Eagles tight-end, Fred Hill's 3-year-old daughter was being treated for leukemia, that's when it all changed - and for the better!

The Hills family, as well as other families of seriously ill children, were left to sleep outside of the hospital every night on park benches and on the street. There was nowhere nearby to stay and families did not want to risk traveling all the way home, in case of an emergency. Well, Hills began raising funds for a 'home away from home' for families such as his.

The upcoming promotion for Shamrock Shakes was the perfect opportunity and all proceeds from Shamrock Shakes sold went to this wonderful cause! That year, the first Ronald McDonald House was opened. It was a four-story, seven-bedroom house right near the hospital. Today, there are more than 300 Ronald McDonald Houses in the United States!

If that's not a reason to go get a Shamrock Shake this season, then I don't know what is!

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