What is a Ronald McDonald House?
Ronald McDonald House is the not for profit corporation that operates our home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children waiting to be born to age twenty-one who must travel far from home to area hospitals for urgently needed medical care, and operates RMH Family Rooms at southern New Jersey hospitals.
What does the House provide?
Families will stay at our House while their child is under a physician’s care, whether the child is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care. Residents enjoy a homelike setting, the privacy of their own room, and most importantly, the understanding of others who share the same burden of having a seriously ill child.
Who does Ronald McDonald House of SNJ help?
More than 600 families are helped each year. Families have traveled from the 9 southern counties of New Jersey and beyond, 35 other states, and 20 foreign countries.
What is a Ronald McDonald House Family Room?
In 2003 we expanded our programs beyond our doors to include the first Ronald McDonald House Family Room in New Jersey. We currently operate three RMH Family Rooms in Atlantic City Medical Center Mainland Division, Shore Memorial Hospital, and Kennedy Hospital - Washington Twshp, Emergency Department. The family room, which is typically adjacent to the Pediatric unit is designed to be a quiet, comfortable place for the families to rest, enjoy refreshments and use the computer to e-mail family and friends or do research on their child’s condition and medications.v
Who runs the House?
A 24 member volunteer Board of Trustees governs Ronald McDonald House of SNJ. The Board is responsible for policy making, governance, financial oversight, and fundraising for House programs and activities. The Board hires the Executive Director who recruits and manages the full time and part time staff members at the House. Additionally, there are more than 500 volunteers annually, who team with the Board and Staff to assist at special events and the stays of families.
How is Ronald McDonald House of SNJ funded?
Ronald McDonald House receives approximately 7 % of its operating budget from the nominal $15 nightly donation from families who can afford to contribute. The House receives approximately 15 % from local McDonald’s corporate offices and Delaware Valley regional McDonald’s owner/operators. The remaining funds, more than 75 %, needed to operate the House come from the generous support of individuals, foundations, and businesses through local fund-raising activities.
How is McDonald’s involved with the House?
McDonald’s involvement in the Ronald McDonald House program dates back to 1973 when McDonald’s joined with the Philadelphia Eagles in creating the first Shamrock Shake promotion. The proceeds went to purchase and renovate the first Ronald McDonald House in 1974 in Philadelphia. McDonald’s Corporation has since formed Ronald McDonald House Charities, the local chapters of owner/operators which support a variety of not-for-profit programs and services for children, including Ronald McDonald House of SNJ and the more than 230 other Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide.
Little known facts about our House:
- We occupy a 26,000 square foot four story building
- The average length of stay is 10 days
- No one is turned away due to an inability to make a nominal contribution.
- The House uses no state or federal tax dollars, relying entirely on private donations.
- Volunteers, in-kind and cash donations are always needed.
- The House has a very small staff assisted by more than 500 volunteers annually
- All donations are used locally.