The first Ronald McDonald House opened 48 years ago (1974) in Philadelphia on October 15th, thanks to pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, Philadelphia Eagles’ player Fred Hill (whose daughter had leukemia), Leonard Tose, owner of the Eagles, Jim Murray, the Eagles’ general manager and Ed Rensi, the McDonald’s regional manager. Throughout the years and in various parts of the world, the entire McDonald’s system (owner/operators, suppliers, employees and customers) has helped support families with sick children providing stability and vital resources.
This support extends from monetary contributions and volunteerism, to cause related marketing promotions and the space to place RMHC Donation Boxes that raise money for Chapters around the world. This support from McDonald’s alongside many other corporate partners since, has helped RMHC positively impact millions of children and their families.These partnerships continue to provide valuable resources and support to help expand programs and services.
In 1992 RMHC creates a new program for the families of critically ill children with the first Ronald McDonald Family Room, opening at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, KS.
RMHC is a non-profit corporation that relies on the support of the entire community and greatly values donations from the community and other corporate partners.
In December of 2009 Ronald McDonald House Charities Curaçao Foundation was officially established. During the first 2 years the chapter worked tirelessly in the establishment of a strong board and fundraising efforts to realize its first core program; the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Furthermore intensive efforts were put in a renovation design within the Sint Elisabeth Hospital in close vicinity of the children’s department. The renovation plans included relocation of existing activities into specifically adapted spaces, demolition plan of existing spaces and design work for the new blueprint.
After successful negotiations with the Sint Elisabeth Hospital Board and stakeholders and months of planning and preparation, the Project Construction Phase started.
November 1, 2011Our dream is finally realized when on April 1st 2012 we welcomed the first family in our Ronald McDonald Family Room. Our facilities, adjacent to the pediatric department of the hospital, offer 3 bedrooms in addition to other facilities such as a living room, laundry and kitchen area for families and hospitalized children.
April 2012This milestone is a true testament of extraordinary teamwork and the level of compassion and support shown by all of the people involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities Curaçao Foundation over the years.
February 2017The Ronald McDonald Family Room Program in Curaçao continues to grow stronger in serving children and their families and has become of irreplaceable value to the pediatric department in our hospital. Serving as a home away from home, we help children heal faster, by providing them the ability to be with their families. Continuing on the success achieved in the past 10 years we continue to add activities and services to broaden our impact.
