ISELIN, N.J., Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Starting today, New York tri-state McDonald’s independent owners will pay tribute to Gloria Estefan, the most successful Latin crossover artist of all time, as part of McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas” (Celebrating Our Legends) in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. In-store materials that will be found in McDonald’s restaurants throughout the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Tri-State area as of September 18 will highlight Gloria Estefan’s legendary achievements. Additionally, a QR code will lead guests to an exclusive video-tribute honoring Gloria. Customers can also visit https://www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com/gloria_estefan/ to take part in the various activities this program has to offer, including voting for their favorite of two original illustrations created exclusively for McDonald’s: one of Gloria at the beginning of her career and the other featuring the legendary Gloria of today.

“As a Hispanic of Cuban origin and a McDonald’s owner/operator, I’m proud to pay tribute to Gloria Estefan, one of the greatest icons in Latin music. Gloria is a clear example of the influence that Latinos have had on the culture of this country,” said Ana Madan, local McDonald’s restaurant owner and President of the National Association of Hispanic Owner/Operators.

“McDonald’s ‘Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas’ has been hugely rewarding. Through the program, local McDonald’s restaurant owners have recognized Hispanic consumers and employees and paid tribute to the careers of great iconic figures within our culture, all while supporting various charitable causes,” said Madan.

This is the fourth year of the McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas” program, which pays tribute to Latin legends in the world of entertainment and sports that have made great contributions to American culture. McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas” also furthers its commitment to community by donating to charities that the honoree supports. This year, McDonald’s New York tri-state area owner/operators will donate to the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting health, education and cultural development.

“I am very grateful to the McDonald’s NY Metro owner/operators for this recognition and support of my foundation,” said Gloria Estefan, adding “it is my honor to be a part of a program that recognizes the cultural contributions Hispanics have made in this country and I love that I can share this honor with those legends who have received it before me.”

With a successful 32-year career, 100 million records sold worldwide, and countless hits such as “Conga”, “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “Mi Terra”, Gloria Estefan embodies the great accomplishments that McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas” celebrates. Her most recent project is another source of pride for the Hispanic community; the musical “On Your Feet!” has its Broadway premiere on October 5 and will showcase her vibrant career and music.

To learn more about the program and the Gloria Estefan Broadway biomusical, “On Your Feet!” visit https://www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com/gloria_estefan/.

McDonald’s New York Tri-State Area
McDonald’s is one of the world’s best-known brands and is a global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald’s restaurants, owned by over 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York Tri-State Area, New Jersey, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Visit www.mcdonaldsnytristate.com or follow us on Twitter @McDNYTriState for information about other McDonald’s area program.  For additional information visit www.sabiasquemcdny.com a program focused on sharing facts about McDonald’s good food.

About McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas”
In September 2012, McDonald’s New York Tri-State Area launched the McDonald’s “Celebrando Nuestras Leyendas” program to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month through tributes to Hispanic cultural icons. During its inaugural year, the program honored no less than “The Queen of Salsa”, Celia Cruz, one of the most influential figures in Spanish language music. The following editions celebrated the legacy of “El Maestro” Juan Luis Guerra and of Mariano Rivera, one of the best athletes and closers of all time. The program centers around original in-store and digital elements as well as a donation made by McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators to a charitable organization chosen by the honored celebrity.