21-02-2025
Area Ronald McDonald Houses to benfit from McDonald's Shamrock Shakes
KSN/KODE—For every McDonald's Shamrock Shake sold until March 23, money will be donated to Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide.
Locally, the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States will also benefit from those who indulge in Shamrock Shakes.
The Ronald McDonald House of the Four States is a 'home away from home' for the families of seriously ill children and ill expectant mothers being treated at Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin. It is located at 3402 South Jackson in Joplin.
The goal is to raise $5 million nationally, which could provide 50,000 overnight stays for families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses.
The Ronald McDonald House of the Four States opened on July 27, 1998, and has served hundreds of families in the Four States area. A common misconception is that a Ronald McDonald House is owned or in some way funded by the McDonald Corporation. Each Ronald McDonald House is locally owned and operated.
This Shamrock Season honors the fundraiser that helped open the first Ronald McDonald House over 50 years ago.
'We love knowing that local proceeds from our delicious, minty treat will help to support local Ronald McDonald Houses in keeping families together,' says Alex Maffei, second-generation McDonald's franchisee. 'A core value for us at McDonald's is Family. Together, with our crew, customers, and iconic McDonaldland character, Uncle O'Grimacey, we're all helping Ronald McDonald Houses make families feel at home, even when they can't be.'
Ronald McDonald House of the Four States is part of the only worldwide service of its kind. The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fred and Fran Hill's daughter Kim was undergoing treatment for leukemia. During Kim's three years of treatment, the Hills grew tired of sleeping in the hospital waiting room and eating meals out of vending machines. Fred, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time, rallied the support of his teammates and General Manager Jim Murray; Dr. Audrey Evans from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and local McDonald's franchisees to create Ronald McDonald House. More than 50 years later, there are more than 377 Ronald McDonald Houses in 45 countries and regions, and McDonald's franchisees and its customers have donated over $1 billion to Ronald McDonald Houses.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY THERE?
Families are asked to contribute $10 per night. If that is not possible, their stay is sponsored.
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This 24-hour, 365-day-a-year program is operated by one full-time program manager, one part-time program coordinator, and 136 active adult and teen volunteers, as well as 16 junior volunteers and 16 special project volunteers.
The House Manager oversees the day-to-day operation.
Volunteers help with all aspects of the House, including housekeeping, providing support and services to families, performing night manager duties, preparing meals, and fundraising.
All monies needed to operate the program are derived through individual and/or corporate donations. Ronald McDonald House is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established as a 501c3. Donations are tax-deductible.
Monthly operating costs average $26,900 per month.
Click here for other ways to donate or get involved.
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