Alma Winkel, a relationship manager at U.S. Bank, found herself unexpectedly joining an off-road racing team due to family circumstances. Although she never anticipated being involved in this sport, she quickly discovered a deep passion for it.
Alma's husband, David, had always harbored a desire to participate in the Baja 1000, a renowned off-road motorsport race situated on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Therefore, following the passing of David's father, the couple made a firm decision to embrace each day and fulfill their long-held dream of competing in the race.
In addition to their personal aspirations, the Winkels recognized the potential of participating in the Baja 1000 to make a positive impact on the children in their community by providing valuable services.
“Helping children in need is very important to me and my husband,” said Winkel. “Our Baja 1000 race team chose to compete with a purpose: raise money to support the charity’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children.”
In pursuit of their mission, the RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston plays a crucial role in supporting the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. This mobile medical unit travels to underserved communities, offering complimentary immunizations and healthcare services to children. The dedicated team of doctors and nurses on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile not only provides essential medical assistance but also intervenes in critical healthcare matters and refers children to specialized care when needed.
Witnessing the positive influence of this program, the Winkels and their Baja 1000 race team, consisting of 30 members comprising family and friends, are further motivated to contribute to its success.
“Our team’s motto was, ‘We’re going off-road to keep the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile on the road,’” said Winkel while adding, “We plan to compete in the Baja 1000 again this November to continue fundraising and reach our $100,000 goal”.
Since 2021, Winkel and her teammates have raised more than $50,000.
Alma and David Winkel's exceptional contributions to the race team have earned them the esteemed 2023 Heroes of the Hearts Award from the RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston. This prestigious accolade recognizes their outstanding dedication to supporting the mission of the chapter, surpassing expectations as active community members.
Alma Winkel not only finds joy in racing to support RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston but also cherishes her role as a valued member of the "McFamily" in her professional career. With 18 years of experience as a commercial banker, she has been devoted to serving McDonald's owner/operators throughout the western United States. Recently, she has been an integral part of the U.S. Bank McDonald's Franchise Group, a team established in 2009 to provide comprehensive banking solutions and address working capital requirements for franchisees.
“Whether an owner/operator wants to start or expand a franchise, or a long-time owner/operator wants to transfer ownership to the next generation, U.S. Bank can help,” said Winkel.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has been consistently backed by U.S. Bank, forging a longstanding partnership. The U.S. Bank Foundation has made generous contributions nearing $500,000 to RMHC since 1993, underscoring their commitment to the organization's mission. Furthermore, U.S. Bank employees have wholeheartedly devoted nearly 10,000 hours to volunteering with this nonprofit, exemplifying their dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
Alma's husband, David, had always harbored a desire to participate in the Baja 1000, a renowned off-road motorsport race situated on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Therefore, following the passing of David's father, the couple made a firm decision to embrace each day and fulfill their long-held dream of competing in the race.
In addition to their personal aspirations, the Winkels recognized the potential of participating in the Baja 1000 to make a positive impact on the children in their community by providing valuable services.
“Helping children in need is very important to me and my husband,” said Winkel. “Our Baja 1000 race team chose to compete with a purpose: raise money to support the charity’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children.”
In pursuit of their mission, the RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston plays a crucial role in supporting the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. This mobile medical unit travels to underserved communities, offering complimentary immunizations and healthcare services to children. The dedicated team of doctors and nurses on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile not only provides essential medical assistance but also intervenes in critical healthcare matters and refers children to specialized care when needed.
Witnessing the positive influence of this program, the Winkels and their Baja 1000 race team, consisting of 30 members comprising family and friends, are further motivated to contribute to its success.
“Our team’s motto was, ‘We’re going off-road to keep the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile on the road,’” said Winkel while adding, “We plan to compete in the Baja 1000 again this November to continue fundraising and reach our $100,000 goal”.
Since 2021, Winkel and her teammates have raised more than $50,000.
Alma and David Winkel's exceptional contributions to the race team have earned them the esteemed 2023 Heroes of the Hearts Award from the RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston. This prestigious accolade recognizes their outstanding dedication to supporting the mission of the chapter, surpassing expectations as active community members.
Alma Winkel not only finds joy in racing to support RMHC of Greater Houston/Galveston but also cherishes her role as a valued member of the "McFamily" in her professional career. With 18 years of experience as a commercial banker, she has been devoted to serving McDonald's owner/operators throughout the western United States. Recently, she has been an integral part of the U.S. Bank McDonald's Franchise Group, a team established in 2009 to provide comprehensive banking solutions and address working capital requirements for franchisees.
“Whether an owner/operator wants to start or expand a franchise, or a long-time owner/operator wants to transfer ownership to the next generation, U.S. Bank can help,” said Winkel.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has been consistently backed by U.S. Bank, forging a longstanding partnership. The U.S. Bank Foundation has made generous contributions nearing $500,000 to RMHC since 1993, underscoring their commitment to the organization's mission. Furthermore, U.S. Bank employees have wholeheartedly devoted nearly 10,000 hours to volunteering with this nonprofit, exemplifying their dedication to making a positive impact in the community.