Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio is dedicated to keeping families close by providing comfort, care, and support during their child’s medical journey. Our board members play a vital role in making this mission possible. Read how RMHC has impacted Andrea Gurcsik and why she is passionate about giving back.
Q: Can you share a little about your background and what you do professionally?
A: I work in Human Resources, overseeing Talent Acquisition, Development, Engagement, Business Partner Relationships, and Belonging at ITC Holdings, an energy transmission company. My career has spanned roles at First Solar and TolTest, and I also teach part-time at The University of Toledo, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and MBA. Giving back has always been important to me, a value instilled by my mother’s dedication to volunteering. I’ve been a basketball coach since 2000, currently coaching my daughter, Kate, and have served in leadership roles for organizations like the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, and Ohio HR groups. Today, I’m honored to serve on the boards of the Greater Toledo Classic, WorkSpring, and RMHC.
Q: How did you first learn about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio?
A: I had heard of RMHC before, but I didn’t truly understand its impact until my oldest daughter, Julia, was born prematurely. A hospital social worker encouraged us to become day guests, emphasizing that RMHC was open to everyone. At first, we weren’t sure we needed it, but stepping away from the beeping machines and stress of the NICU for just a short while was invaluable. When my youngest, Jack, was also in the NICU, we proactively sought out RMHC again, knowing how much those small moments of rest could mean.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with RMHC and join the board?
A: After experiencing firsthand how RMHC provided a much-needed respite during our NICU stays, I knew I wanted to give back. Years ago, a former Board Member, Brad Augustinak, encouraged me to get involved, but at the time, I was deeply committed to the March of Dimes. Almost ten years later, RMHC’s impact had never left me, and I knew the time was right to give back to an organization that had given my family so much. I reached out to Brad, and the rest is history!
Q: What committees are you involved in at RMHC?
A: I serve on the Executive Committee and was previously involved with the HR Committee.
Q: Do you have a personal story or experience that makes RMHC’s mission especially meaningful to you?
A: My own experience as a day guest, as well as the story of one of my best friends. Their son was diagnosed with a fatal condition, and they spent a month living at RMHC in Cincinnati while seeking care from specialists. During the most heartbreaking time of their lives, they found comfort, compassion, and support through RMHC. Their experience reinforced my belief in the importance of RMHC’s mission.
Q: Have you or someone close to you ever needed a place like RMHC? If so, how did that experience shape your perspective?
A: Yes, my own family benefited from RMHC as day guests, and my best friends lived at an RMHC location during a difficult pregnancy. Seeing the relief and comfort it provided them solidified my passion for the organization.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being involved with RMHC?
A: Seeing the families we serve find comfort in small moments. Whether it’s a child smiling over a hot meal, parents finding a moment of peace, or a family feeling cared for during an unimaginable time, those moments remind me why I serve. There was one moment when I saw a mother holding her newborn for the first time outside the hospital walls—watching her relief and happiness made it all worthwhile.
Q: Is there a specific RMHC program or initiative that resonates with you the most?
A: Cooking meals. We personally enjoyed home-cooked meals as day guests, and now I love giving back in the same way to help other families feel at home.
Q: What is one memory or moment with RMHC that has stood out to you?
A: What stands out most is working alongside a staff so deeply committed to the mission. It’s rare to see a team function with such seamless dedication—not just to their jobs, but to each other and to every family who walks through the door. One moment that sticks with me was watching a staff member go above and beyond for a parent who was having an especially hard day, sitting down with them and offering a listening ear. It wasn’t in their job description, but that’s the heart of RMHC.
Q: As a board member, what do you hope to bring to RMHC?
A: I hope to inspire others to give back and to recognize the impact they have on families. Seeing the gratitude in a guest’s eyes makes every effort worthwhile.
Q: What do you think people should know about RMHC that they may not already realize?
A: Many people don’t realize that you don’t need to demonstrate financial need to use RMHC’s services. It’s open to all families with children receiving medical care.
Q: How do you see RMHC evolving or growing in the future?
A: We need to continue evolving our services to meet the changing needs of families. Staying up-to-date with trends and identifying new ways to best support guests will always be key.
Q: If you had to describe RMHC in three words, what would they be?
A: Love—because RMHC creates a space filled with care and compassion.
Refuge—because it offers families a place of peace during some of their hardest days.
Hope—because even in difficult times, RMHC reminds families they are not alone.
