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FAQs
What is Ronald McDonald House of Memphis?
Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis (RMHC of Memphis) is a “home-away-from-home” for families who are in Memphis while their child is receiving treatment for cancer or another catastrophic illness at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All families stay completely free of charge.
Are all Ronald McDonald Houses connected?
Ronald McDonald Houses are owned and operated by local chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC), based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Each local chapter is licensed by McDonald's Corporation and operates as an IRS-designated 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. While all chapters are part of the overall RMHC system, each is overseen at the local level by its own Board of Directors and is supported by individuals, organizations, businesses, and foundations within the local community.
What does Ronald McDonald House do for families?
In addition to providing safe and comfortable accommodations and a caring environment, Ronald McDonald House allows families to find a strong support system, establishing friendships with other families facing similar anxieties, hardships, and uncertainties.
What does a family staying at Ronald McDonald House of Memphis receive?
In addition to private hotel-style rooms, families also receive access to large living rooms with fireplaces, common dining rooms with play areas for small children, assigned kitchen space to prepare meals, a newly renovated Teen Room, a Pre-teen Room, three laundry rooms, an Exercise room, Meditation Room, Craft Room, two TV lounges, a video check-out area, several patios and two playgrounds.
Families also receive free transportation (via shuttle) to and from the hospital, Walgreen’s and the nearby Kroger. Each family receives a $80 dollar food stipend each week to spend as they need. This is supplemented by a huge assortment of pantry items that they may choose from. Toiletries, paper goods, and phone cards are also provided for the families as they become available to the House via donations.
How is the House operated?
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis is an independent, community supported, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. To supplement our core staff, we have over 500 volunteers who cover daily and weekly shifts at the House, as well as provide help during our major fundraising events.
How much does it cost a family to stay at Ronald McDonald House of Memphis?
Although the actual cost of operating each room per night is $103.99, donations from the community help to cover the services offered to the families. All families stay completely free of charge.
How is McDonald’s involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis?
The partnership between McDonald’s Corporation and Ronald McDonald House Charities® and its programs dates back to the inception of the charitable organization. Collectively McDonald’s utilize their restaurants, advertising dollars, packaging and crew to create customer awareness and support of the charity. Ronald McDonald House Charities® and the McDonald’s Corporation (owner/operators, employees, customers and vendors) also provide financial support for RMHC of Memphis. 9% of our annual budget is received through the support of McDonald’s and its charities. Local McDonald’s Owners/Operators participate in fundraisers, volunteer their time to special events, and serve on our Board of Directors and Advisory Board.
Who provides the funding to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis?
The vast majority of funding needed to operate a Ronald McDonald House is provided by residents of the communities served by the House - individuals, corporations, foundations, and civic groups, to name a few. Each House raises funds in a variety of ways, including special events, grant requests, direct mail, planned giving, and Pop Tab programs.
There are lots of great non-profit organizations out there. Why partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis?
RMHC of Memphis is a local charity with a global impact. Over the past 18 years we have served families from 41 states and 45 countries. We provide our families with a sense of comfort and normalcy they wouldn’t typically receive. To use a quote from our families: "We like the sense of community and we are in this together. I feel very secure and we don’t even feel homesick. Truly this is a 'home-away-from-home'".
How can I help?
Volunteer – Get involved! We always need volunteers at the House and for our special events and fundraisers. For more information contact Sarah Hill Lacy, Volunteer Coordinator at (901) 312-7478.
Collect Household Items – Donations of pantry and wish list items are always accepted. Click HERE for the most current list.
Host a House Activity – Plan a meal or activity for our families. These can include arts and crafts, game nights, parties, music or drama presentations, etc. For more information on Hosting an Activity click HERE.
Request a Speaker – We love to bring speakers out to area businesses and organizations to talk about Ronald McDonald House.
Schedule a Tour – We love to host groups at the House! Our Heart & Home Tours will give you an inside look at the impact of the Ronald McDonald House. To learn more about Heart & Home Tours click HERE.
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