Flads Honor Volunteers

February 17th, 2021 | News

The Ronald McDonald House in Madison was born out of a tremendous outpouring of community support 27 years ago. A dedicated and generous group of people had a vision for a place where families could stay together near their sick child without incurring the financial hardship of being far from home. Central to this vision was John and Coleen Flad.

John led the construction effort for the original house in 1989 and his wife Coleen was a longtime volunteer coordinator. Her commitment to the mission spanned decades following the loss of her youngest sister, Kathleen, to childhood leukemia.  While their family was able to remain close to her sister due to the proximity of Madison’s world-renowned hospitals, they understood many were less fortunate.

When John and Coleen were asked to be Honorary Chairpersons for the Building on Hope Campaign to expand and renovate the Ronald McDonald House, they agreed without hesitation.

“While my background is construction, this has never been about bricks and mortar. From the beginning, this has always been a volunteer organization. They are the lifeblood of this organization and have become an extension of all of us involved,” said John.

John and Coleen’s love for the Ronald McDonald House has never wavered. Recognizing that volunteers are the foundation of our organization and how much we have felt their absence, the Flad’s decided to honor the volunteers with a lovely tribute that now hangs in the main office at the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you to the budding artists who provided beautiful artwork for this and future volunteer tributes.

“From all the Coleens to all the Kathleens. Today we celebrate the volunteers at the Madison Ronald McDonald House. Your dedication and energy truly make our House a Home. You are simply the very best!” – Coleen and John Flad, 2020