What is the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte?
The Ronald McDonald House will be a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children from across the Carolinas receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Charlotte. During short-term or extended hospital stays, the home will provide a haven for families to rest, eat and find support from one another as they cope with their children’s medical needs.
When was the first Ronald McDonald House built, and how many are there now?
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974, and there are now more than 276 Ronald McDonald Houses in 32 countries around the world. More than 10 million families have been hosted at Ronald McDonald House facilities worldwide, and every night more than 10,000 beds are available for families away from home seeking medical treatment for their children.
Why is a Ronald McDonald House being built in Charlotte?
Construction of Carolinas Medical Center’s new 240-bed Levine Children’s Hospital and expansion of Presbyterian Hospital’s pediatric practices has created the need for a facility located near the hospitals to host families who come to Charlotte seeking world-class medical care for seriously ill children.
Are there other Ronald McDonald Houses in the Carolinas?
The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be the fifth such facility in North Carolina serving families of seriously ill children. The first Ronald McDonald House of North Carolina was opened in Durham in 1980, and there also are Ronald McDonald House facilities in Chapel Hill, Greenville and Winston-Salem.
When will the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte be completed?
Groundbreaking for The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be held in 2008, and the house is scheduled to be open in 2010. The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will include up to 28 private suites and bedrooms, as well as a family kitchen, great room, learning center, playground and sitting porch.
Who will own and operate the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte?
Ronald McDonald House programs are owned and operated by local Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters, and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is no exception. The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is managed by a local board of directors which is spearheading the capital campaign and will oversee construction and operation of the home.
How much will it cost for families to stay in the Ronald McDonald House?
For families of seriously ill children, the Ronald McDonald House offers an economic alternative during short-term and extended hospital stays, as well as the support and comfort of other families facing similar medical crises together. Families will be asked to contribute between $5-25 a night, but the fee will be waived for families who cannot afford it. The cost of building and operating the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will come primarily from individual and corporate donations.
How much money is being raised to build Ronald McDonald House – Charlotte?
The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte kicked off a 2007 fundraising campaign to raise $13.5 million to build and operate Charlotte's "home for healing." The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be built primarily with local support from individuals and corporations, and operated by Charlotte staff and volunteers.
How can I help?
The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be funded, constructed and operated by the Charlotte community. You also can click here to find out how to contribute to Charlotte’s “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children.
How can I get in touch with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte?
You can contact us by e-mail at info@rmhofcharlotte.org.
