About The Ronald McDonald House

The concept of the Ronald McDonald House began in 1974, after the daughter of Fred Hill, Philadelphia Eagles football player, was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent treatment. Her parents quickly realized how devastating it was to have a child with a life-threatening illness, along with the tremendous amount of financial and emotional stress placed upon the family. Fred’s team joined him in his crusade to build a home where families could stay while their children were being treated for serious illness. The local McDonald’s agreed to donate the proceeds from Shamrock Shake sales to help build the first Ronald McDonald House, and a lasting partnership was born. The program quickly expanded into one of the most highly regarded charities around the world, helping more than 8,000 families each night in over 350 houses across the world.

Our Vision

A world where all children have access to medical care and their families are supported and actively involved in their children’s care.

How the Ronald McDonald House Helps

The Ronald McDonald House is just minutes from all hospitals and medical centers, allowing families the comfort that comes from togetherness during a medical crisis. Without the Ronald McDonald House, families would face expensive hotel and meal costs, long commutes, sleeping, often uncomfortably, in a chair or on a cot at the hospital, or, the worst alternative of all, being absent. If you consider the average length of stay being 8 days, with a cost of $60 a night for a hotel stay, the cost for lodging alone would be $420, not to mention the cost for food, laundry, transportation, etc … We prepare over 300 meals each year for our guests, and food is always available for them to prepare their own meals.

Research studies and human intuition agree: Sick children who are surrounded by the people they love get better faster than those whose loved ones cant be with them. And, parents and caregivers who are present and active in their children’s care are less stressed and better able to provide love and reassurance.

Togetherness during a medical ordeal strengthens families. And, strong families build strong communities.

Our Relationship With McDonald’s
Ronald McDonald House Charities has been McDonald’s “charity of choice” since 1974.

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, so we need the support of our entire community. Whether you are an individual or a large company, your support is essential. It takes the donations from many, to support our programs and projected growth. It takes cash donations, volunteer time, third party fundraisers, etc… to help us help families that need our services. Fortunately, we can count McDonald’s as our largest corporate donor.

McDonald’s involvement extends well beyond just writing us a check. They host fundraisers (candle light dinners, car shows, Day of Change, etc…), which you may have enjoyed over the years. McDonald’s owner/operators and employees often volunteer their time at the House or one of our many events. We obtain funds that stay “local” from the RMHC Donation Boxes that are found in your local McDonald’s restaurant. The list goes on and on. They are a very generous donor that we’re grateful to have on our “team.”