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A Quick History of Ronald McDonald House
In Philadephia...the first Ronald McDonald House opened
In the early 70's, the daughter of an Eagle's football player was diagnosed with leukemia. Her father -- like many other parents -- wanted to be with her as much as possible. He spent countless days and
nights by her bedside at the hospital.
As a leader in the community, he was able to contact friends to raise funds to fight leukemia. But he also identified another need for funds -- something that would
help parents around the world.
Fred Hill knew what it was like for parents to stay at the hospital. It was uncomfortable without a room of their own with a comfortable bed, kitchen, laundry facility and toys
for the kids. That's when the search began for a "home" where parents could stay while their child received treatment.
A large house was found within walking distance of the hospital.
Owner-operators from McDonald's Restaurants agreed to sponsor a Shamrock shake sale. More than $35,000 was raised to refurbish the house. In 1974, the dream became a reality. In honor of the clown that brings
happiness to children and the support from restaurant owner-operators, it was named the "Ronald McDonald House."
The idea quickly spread across the country and today, there are more than 150
Ronald McDonald Houses in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Each year, the number increases as the need grows. In Michigan, there's a Ronald McDonald House in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.
In Detroit: the 11th House to be built and first house from the ground up.
Physicians, parents and caring individuals heard about the House in Philadelphia and found themselves talking about how they
could make a difference for family members in Detroit. With guidance from the national McDonald's Corporation, the doors of the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit opened November of 1979 in the Detroit Medical Center
adjacent to Children's Hospital of Michigan.
The House is owned and operated by a non-profit Board comprised of leaders of the community,residents and representatives of McDonald's restaurants.
The House Built with Love
Detroit now has a home-away-from home and support services to parents with hospitalized children. The 16,000 square foot building has 25 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. There are four
"TV" rooms, an exercise room, quiet area, indoor and outdoor playrooms, phone booths, dining room and kitchen. It accommodates more than 1,000 families a year.
Residents pay $10 a night for a room
that sleeps up to four members of the family. The average stay is four nights. Some, however, stay several months when their child is critically ill. Some parents return many times during the course of treatment.
Nonresident parents may use the shower or relax while staying at the hospital.
Sometimes family members find themselves in a strange city without the comforting support of friends and relatives. When this
happens, a parent may feel fear and defeat -- at a time when the child needs the courage and love only a family member can provide.
Having family members close by has often proved to be the best medicine for
a seriously ill child. But mom, dad , sister and brother can't be there if they must pay for an expensive hotel and meal cost for weeks or months.
Taking the time to care
Ronald McDonald House
Charities and Ronald McDonald House of Detroit work together to provide a home-away-from-home for families of hospitalized children.
Eighty-five percent of the home's funding depends on continued generosity
of individuals and businesses. The affiliation with Ronald McDonald House Charities and McDonald's continues to contribute about 15 percent of the cost of operating the house.
Volunteers make the Ronald
McDonald House a "home." They greet and register families, lend a listening ear, prepare dinners, decorate the House, help with clean up days, serve on committees, and a multitude of other activities. It
ensures that the House is comfortable for those needing to stay at a place that is nearby.
Some volunteers help by dropping off wish list items which includes baked and canned goods, frozen foods, bathroom
cleaners, bedroom linens, pillows, toys, games, videos, and several other items. Many schools have participated to support the families of the Ronald McDonald House.
During 1996, we received sheets, blankets, books, appliances, and pop tabs.
Donations of time, talent or money are all wonderful ways to benefit the family members that stay at the House. By supporting the
House, you provide a safe, secure and affordable haven for hundreds of parents and sick children each year.
To learn about how you can help the children and families at the Ronald McDonald House, call
313.745.5909, or send an email to our Executive Director.
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