News: McDonald's gives 100-year-old free food for life

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100-year-old Nadine Baum walked into McDonald's for what she thought would be a routine lunch with her son. What she found instead was a surprise birthday party waiting for her. Geena L Goozdich

McDonald's employee Ginny Slaubaugh, left, congratulates Nadine Baum on her 100th birthday Oct. 13, 2016, in Hanover, Pa. (Photo: Shane Dunlap, The (Hanover, Pa.) Evening Sun)

HANOVER, Pa. — Nadine Baum's birthday gift from the local McDonald's may have been more valuable, say, 50 years ago, but the present of free food for life still hits the spot.

The 100-year-old beamed last week as she sat at her regular booth by the window amid balloons, flowers, a card and a birthday cake. She laughed and thanked the dozen or so friends who had gathered there at lunchtime Oct. 13.

"I just can't get over this," Baum said. "This is so wonderful."

She blew out her candles and waited for her meal — a Big Mac for her and one for her son — before she had a piece of cake. Employees joked that she was much better behaved than others who have birthday parties at McDonald's.

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"Now we can see you every day!" said crew member Ginny Slaubaugh, who organized the surprise.

For five or six years, Baum said she ate lunch daily with her son at McDonald's.

Nadine Baum blows out the candles on her cake Oct. 13, 2016, during her 100th birthday surprise party at McDonald's in Hanover, Pa. (Photo: Shane Dunlap, The (Hanover, Pa.) Evening Sun)

Recently, her arthritis has limited her visits, said her son, Mike Baum. But they try to make it in as much as possible.

"She gets around very well," Slaubaugh said, even though she uses a walker for support. Slaubaugh calls the centenarian "Mom" and says her mind is still sharp.

Nadine Baum sipped on a whipped cream-topped mocha frappe as General Manager Sean Patterson joked that the coffee drink was what kept her young.

"I don't know what I did to deserve all this," Nadine Baum said, taking in her celebration. "I count my blessings every day."

Follow Geena L. Goozdich on Twitter: @geenagoozdich

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Photos: McDonald's throws surprise birthday party for 100 year-old

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Nadine Baum blows out the candles on her birthday cake Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 at the south Hanover McDonald's during a 100th birthday celebration for the Hanover centenarian. Baum usually celebrates her birthday at the restaurant with her son Mike Baum. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum reacts while entering McDonald's on Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 in south Hanover with her son, Mike Baum, when see sees a surprise birthday party for her 100th birthday organized by the staff of the restaurants. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum receives a hug from McDonald's crew member Chris Myers on Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 while she was surprised with a birthday party to celebrate turning 100 years old. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum waves to a friend while celebrating her 100th birthday at the south Hanover McDonald's on Thursday Oct. 12, 2016. Shane Dunlap, The Evening SUn

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Nadine Baum reads a birthday card with McDonald's employee Kim Birgensmith and manager Sandy Arentz, background, on Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 at the south Hanover McDonald's. Baum was celebrating her 100th birthday with her son Mike Baum at the restaurant and was surprised with a party by the staff. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum is congratulated by manager Sandy Arentz on her surprise 100th birthday party Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 at the south Hanover McDonald's. Baum has been celebrating her birthday at the restaurant every year with her son, Mike Baum. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum sits to enjoy lunch with her son, Mike Baum, after a surprise 100th birthday party at McDonald's on Baltimore Street in Hanover for her Thursday Oct. 13, 2016. Baum has been bringing his mother to McDonald's every year on her birthday and this year marking her 100th she was shocked with a cake, and lifetime free food from the McDonald's crew. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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Nadine Baum is congratulated by McDonald's employee Ginny Slaubaugh on Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 while celebrating her 100th birthday party at the south Hanover McDonald's. Baum celebrates her birthday every year at the restaurant with her son Mike baum. Shane Dunlap, The Evening Sun

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