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FeedSpotlight on: Ronald McDonald House Charities
Over the past 35 years, the duties of Ronald McDonald have evolved from his being the cheery clown mascot of the world’s largest fast-food chain to becoming the namesake of a global network of safe havens for families in times of crisis.
The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) was later officially established in memory of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, who had long been a children’s advocate. In 1979, the Denver house opened, and it was moved from the original 1922 mansion to its current location on East 21st Avenue in 2001. In 2008, RMHC opened its doors to a second house in Aurora.
The mission of the RMHC in Denver and Aurora remains true to its origin: to provide a home away from home to families who travel to metro-area hospitals seeking medical treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. The Denver house is able to accommodate 31 families, and there is room for 45 families at the Aurora location. From private rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and playrooms to free laundry facilities, outdoor patios, playgrounds, computer rooms, and libraries, RMHC goes to great lengths to make every family feel at home.
Executive director Pam Whitaker and her staff cater to the needs of each family. “What we do here is more than just provide shelter,” she says. “We strive to provide a home for these families and focus on all the details that make a huge difference to them — even an opportunity for a massage or tickets to a ball game — anything to take their minds off their difficulties for a few hours.”
Aside from providing a place to stay as close to the hospital as possible, RMHC offers further assistance, including the Community Grants and Scholarship programs and Sky High Hope Camp (a summer camp for children who have or have had cancer and their siblings). Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, vehicles bringing medical, dental, and vision care to underserved communities, is coming to the area soon.
RMHC of Denver & Aurora heavily rely on public support. Strong relationships within the medical community enable them to provide access to leading healthcare. The countless volunteer hours and a number of private monetary and item donations keep the lights on and the doors open for future families.
Whitaker experiences a swing of emotions in her role. “In one day, we can go from sending a healthy child and [his or her] family home to greeting a family whose child is in critical condition,” she says. “There isn’t much we haven’t seen here. In either case, it’s very gratifying to know that we’re making a difference to a family in need.”
For more information:
The Ronald McDonald House of Aurora
932 Potomac Circle, 720.324.2400
Serves The Children’s Hospital, Medical Center of Aurora, University of Colorado Hospital.
The Ronald McDonald House of Denver
1300 E. 21st Ave., 303.832.2667
Serves Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, National Jewish Health, St. Joseph Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, Craig Hospital, Denver Health, St. Anthony Central Hospital.ronaldhouse.org
Support:
This month celebrates the tireless efforts of the Denver and Aurora houses throughout the year at the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Cinderella Storybook 2010 Ball.
Tickets: $225 Date: Saturday, February 27
Location: Ritz-Carlton Denver, 303.832.6641
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