The only thing worse than being sick is being homesick.  Which is the reason why the Ronald McDonald House^® was created.  Frequently, critically ill children are forced to travel far from home and away from their loved ones to seek special medical attention. For many families, being with their child in a city other than their own would be impossible.

Many do not have the means to stay in a hotel or the luxury of eating meals prepared outside of the home. Families must often sacrifice income and meet many additional expenses just to be by their youngster’s side. Thankfully, thousands of families no longer have to worry about where to stay or how they can afford to eat because the Ronald McDonald House is there to support them.

The Ronald McDonald House offers temporary lodging for families and so much more. It’s a place for parents and kids to rest … regroup … and just be together as a normal family in a situation that is far from normal. Volunteers prepare nightly meals for the residents and those without transportation are driven to and from the hospital. Families also experience warmth and caring from staff members and volunteers and gain support from other families dealing with a similar medical crisis.

Each Ronald McDonald House is a not-for-profit organization that is operated by a local Board of Directors in the community in which the House resides. The Board of Directors is comprised of members of the medical community, business and civic leaders, volunteers and McDonald’s Owner/Operators. Houses are typically staffed with an Executive Director, House Manager, Resident Manager and Housekeeper and are assisted by a core of dedicated volunteers. These individuals provide the backbone of the Ronald McDonald House program and support all aspects of the House including fundraising, program development and service to the families.

Financial support is critical to the success of the Ronald McDonald House program. Each House relies on monetary and in-kind gifts from the community it serves and on revenue generated through local and national fundraising events. Thanks to the outpouring of these gifts and donations, the doors remain open to families at “The House That Love Built.”