McDonald’s Heiress Named Flood Victims’ Benefactor

SAN DIEGO —  McDonald’s heiress Joan Kroc, a daughter of the Midwest, was identified Monday as the angel of Grand Forks, N.D. and East Grand Forks, Minn., who anonymously gave $15 million to the cities’ flood victims.

Kroc flew into Grand Forks on Saturday for a tour of flood damage. The tail number on her Gulfstream IV jet along with her credit card used to buy jet fuel led the Grand Forks Herald newspaper to her.

Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) confirmed to the newspaper that Kroc was the donor, but he later denied it, saying he was only passing on speculation that she was the mysterious philanthropist.

Kroc’s spokeswoman, Nancy Trestick, did not immediately return a call.

The act of kindness came as no surprise to those who know the widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. Kroc, who lives outside San Diego in Rancho Santa Fe, has given away millions to causes ranging from local theater to cancer research.

The daughter of a railroad telegrapher and concert violinist has always been proud of her St. Paul, Minn., roots, which may help explain her donation.

Kroc asked officials in April to distribute $2,000 to each family who suffered from the Red River flooding that ravaged 90% of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. She requested officials use a minimum of red tape and not disclose her name.

“She stated that the press should go to the people in need and not herself,” said Lynn Stauss, mayor of East Grand Forks. “She didn’t want to take away from their story.”