House GEMs: Be the Sparkle in Our Story

October 28th, 2024 | News

From humble beginnings with a small house in Philadelphia to a global charity with more than 380 programs worldwide, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has served families with sick or injured children for 50 years. What began as a single, heartfelt effort to provide a home away from home for families in need has grown into a vast, worldwide network of Houses, Family Rooms, and Care Mobile programs. 

As we celebrate this golden milestone, we reflect on the profound impact of our mission, especially on the families we serve. 

One grandmother who traveled to from Wisconsin to Colorado with her daughter for her granddaughter’s medical care noted “Being in a different city/state and hospital with a medically fragile child can be overwhelming. At a time when my daughter needed to be focused on the care of her daughter and I needed to support my daughter and granddaughter RMHC provided stability, shelter, (not only physically, but emotionally) and truly a home-away-from home. Our families here in Wisconsin didn’t have to worry about our well-being, because they knew we were being taken care of and our needs were being met.” 

Inspiring words like these emphasize the essential services and critical support that RMHC chapters across the globe provide for families facing the unimaginable while simultaneously fostering an environment where laughter is shared, friendships are formed, and hope is nurtured. 

In recent years, the demand for our services has only grown and here in Madison, we’re seeing the effects of the increased need firsthand as we are currently averaging 116% daily occupancy in our 31-bedroom House. Adapting in new and innovative ways to meet the need requires sustainable resources and support, which is where you can make a lasting difference!  

As our services expand and continue to be a shining light for our families, we are asking you to consider adding your sparkle to our story by becoming a monthly donor, or as we like to call it a House GEM. By committing to giving every month, you can make affordable, consistent donations that allow for convenience on your end and stability on ours.  

Together, we can make the next 50 years as impactful as the last by ensuring that every family who needs a place to stay can find comfort within our doors.  

The same grandmother who sang the praises of RMHC Aurora, gives back to RMHC Madison monthly, noting “My husband and I give monthly to RMHC-Madison because we believe in what they do. The Madison area is our home. As a family we know first-hand how important RMHC was to us and is to so many other families who are on similar journeys.”  

Can you join the movement and support families navigating through difficult journeys, by helping us reach our goal of 50 new or upgraded monthly donors by the end of this year? To become a House Gem today visit RMHCMadison.org/House-Gems.