McDonald’s Owner/Operators fulfill $1 million pledge to Building on Hope campaign

March 1st, 2022 | Our Partners

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we share this special thank you to the Greater Wisconsin Syndicate McDonald’s owner/operators. They recently fulfilled their $1 million cookie pledge to the Building on Hope capital campaign in just three years!  This incredible commitment provides a safe, comforting respite for families, which proved essential during the pandemic. We recognize that as McDonald’s leaders and our founding mission partner, these individuals have the power to make a tremendous difference to families who need it most, and we simply cannot thank them enough.

The original Ronald McDonald House in Madison opened in May 1993 with 18 rooms, a kitchen, a living room, and offices. By 2016, we were outgrowing our space and overcapacity to serve those who needed it most. Families were forced to make a choice: stay with their child and incur the financial burden of being far from home OR worse yet, not be with their child at the hospital.

In 2016, McDonald’s owner/operators in the Madison, Rockford, and Wisconsin Dells areas understood the importance of serving more families. As mission partners, they made a commitment and pledged a lead gift of $1 million as part of the $9.3 million expansion and renovation. All through the sale of cookies. In just a little over three years, robust sales generated enough income to complete that $1 million pledge. What an incredible effort!

The Ronald McDonald House now features 31 guest bedrooms, two kitchen areas to prepare meals, and a breakfast bar stocked with healthy snacks. A spacious family room looks onto the bright and cheerful playroom, as well as a quiet study, workout room, laundry facility, game room, and conference room. Building on the momentum of the campaign, RMHC-Madison was able to open Hope Park in 2020.  This vibrant green space is ideal for children and families to play and unwind during their stay.

Parents with children facing medical crises have tough decisions to make. Through this partnership, RMHC­Madison provides hope, comfort, and support by reducing the financial worries of costly hotel and meal expenses for families living hours or even a plane ride away from renowned health facilities.

As a community, we strive to work together to help more families focus on what is most important… staying together and thriving. Thank you to our local McDonald’s owner/operators for your enthusiasm and support these past 28 years.

Thank you McDonald’s owner/operators…