Largest Ronald McDonald House in the world is changing lives of families in central Ohio

Families staying at Central Ohio Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) share their gratitutde for the support RMHC and Columbus volunteers have provided for their children. 

5-month-old Evan*, lets out short cries while Kerry* (32), a woman with dirty blonde hair, paces the red and yellow carpeted hallway rocking him slowly. She urges the two other children stamping their light-up sneakers in and out of Room 52 to stop running. Evan’s mouth gapes open revealing soft pink gums as he writhes backward in pain and lets out another piercing cry. His pudgy arms punch the air showing his webbed fingers.

“As a baby born addicted to drugs, this [outbursts of crying] happens often” says Kerry, Evan’s foster mother.

Kerry, mother of three foster children, has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) in Columbus, Ohio for three months to avoid pricey hotel fees while Evan recovers from surgeries at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Evan was born addicted to crack cocaine among other health concerns including severe nutritional inadequacies, physical and cognitive underdevelopment, and webbed hands and feet due to a genetic disorder. The RMHC has made Kerry and her children feel more comfortable during Evan’s healing.

Families like Kerry's express their gratitude for RMHC.

Comfort in Community

Only a few steps away from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Central Ohio RMHC provides convenient family-centered health care and a space for rest and relaxation. The RMHC began in 1974 by volunteers and McDonald’s owners with a mission to provide free housing and services to families with critically ill children. Many of the children suffer from poor nutrition, congenital defects, respiratory complications, or gastrointestinal issues.

The largest in the world, the Central Ohio RMHC can accommodate up to 4,500 families per year in the 137 available guest rooms. In addition, laundry services, children’s library, beauty parlor, game room, movie theatre, playground, outdoor barbecue facility, kitchen space, and dining services with two hot meals served per day make families feel at home during their stay. More recently, the Central Ohio RMHC increased their green space by adding a rooftop garden and 5 free standing homes now available to families whose children have severe health circumstances requiring extended stays.

Central Ohio RMHC amentities

Globally, the RMHC has decreased the burden for 5.5 million families and has maintained a strong reputation for its warm community approach. The Smith* family from England, experienced a similar friendliness upon their arrival at the Ronald McDonald House.

“I worked for RMHC in England, so when we realized Brad* [son] had cerebral palsy we wanted to be surrounded by the same community and kindness in Columbus that I had previously experienced”, says Brad’s mother, Mary*.

Gaining Local Attention

Children like Evan and Brad were the reason Sylvia (57), became a board member of the RMHC in Columbus, Ohio, in 2014. After learning about the organization through a friend, Sylvia visited the Central Ohio RMHC.

“The positive energy, volunteers, and parents were amazing as soon as I entered the door. The volunteers are really the people that make this organization flourish... from helping out with laundry to preparing snacks in [RMHC] the state-of-the art kitchen.” 

Sylvia believes the positive energy has directly contributed to the success of the Central Ohio branch. In 2011, Sylvia decided to raffle a diamond pendent from her family’s jewelry business, Carioti Jewelers, at Medallion Country Club to help a friend raise money for the RMHC. In 20 minutes, she raised $2,000 and the ‘Diamond in the Rough’ was born.

With the help of friends and Carioti Jewelers, Sylvia implemented the Diamond in the Rough fundraiser for the Central Ohio RMHC in 2012, a golf tournament featuring a silent auction, dinner, and live music. After six consecutive years, Diamond in the Rough has raised $94,600 for the Central Ohio RMHC providing 946 night stays for families. They hope to meet their goal of $100,000 this upcoming September.

The Red Shoe Society, a philanthropic branch of the RMHC, exudes a similar passion to meet the needs of RMHC residents. Comprised of young professionals, The Red Shoe Society has assisted in the following charity events:

• Red Shoe Run 5k
• Dig it for the House Sand Volleyball Tournament
• A Taste of Tinseltown--a cocktail attire silent auction with dinner and drinks 

Additionally, meal preparation and clothing donations are commonly contributed by Red Shoe Society members.

Volunteers preparing meals for families

What Can I Do?

There are many other volunteer opportunities for RMHC involvement outside of fundraisers and event sponsorships allowing volunteers the flexibility to contribute to RMHC efforts as they wish. Learn more about how to support local RMHC families in your community.

*names changed for confidentiality