The latest edition of our e-Newsletter went out today to RMHC supporters. The bi-monthly newsletter is a great way to keep up-to-date on all of the latest activities at the Ronald McDonald House. The May eNews highlighted our upcoming Golf Social in July, organized by Mike Rich, and this year featuring his special guest, Hollywood writer and director John Lee Hancock.

To read the May eNews click here.

Sign up to receive our eNews here.

Ronald McDonald House Charities received special recognition during the annual Civil War baseball game at PGE Park, thanks to RBC Wealth Management, who sponsored the game. Ronald McDonald was there to throw out the first pitch, while later in the game, RBC made a special check presentation to RMHC on the field during the seventh inning. Spectators at the game were also able to watch a special video about the Ronald McDonald House on the outfield screen at the stadium, and find out more about RMHC at a  table located in the concourse. Ronald signed the ball he used for the first pitch, and gave it as a special memento  to an RMHC family attending the game.

Ronald hanging out with the Scofield family at PGE Park during the game

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington published our 2010 community report this week, summarizing the organization’s activities and performance over the previous year. The report was shipped yesterday, and should begin arriving in mailboxes as soon as today or tomorrow. You can also pick up a copy at either house.

Some of the highlights of the report include:

• In 2009, our two Portland houses hosted 1,470 family visits. More than 98% of our guests rated their experience as good or very good. More than 96% of guests reported that they were better able to rest and maintain their own well-being while their child was receiving treatment. And more than 91% informed us that their stay with us improved their child’s hospital experience and/or recovery.
• Despite the difficult economy, our public support – both volunteer and financial – increased in 2009. Volunteer hours increased by 4 percent, while donations were up 13 percent. Our total assets grew by six percent – leaving us well-positioned to weather future economic challenges.
• In 2009, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington, with the support of RMHC Global, invested $112,500 through our Outreach grants in programs that open access to children’s health care in our region, helping 9,869 children receive medical treatment that they might not have otherwise.
• Because times remain tough, and we wish to carefully steward your investment in RMHC, we will operate in 2010 with a flat budget from 2009 – without reducing any services.

To view an online version of the report, click here to download the pdf.

Are you a Duck or a Beaver? Do you support Ronald McDonald House Charities? Then join us at the Civil War Baseball game between Oregon and Oregon State this coming Wednesday, May 26 at PGE Park when RMHC will be honored as part of the festivities during the game. RBC Wealth Management is sponsoring the event, and has chosen the Ronald McDonald House as it’s partner charity, part of their ongoing relationship with the house, which has included service projects and a regular meal group. There will be a video about RMHC shown during the seventh-inning stretch, and an on-field check presentation from RBC to the Ronald McDonald House. Don’t miss a fun night of baseball between two of the Pac-10’s best teams.

Wednesday, May 26, 6:30 pm
Ticket are available by clicking here.

97-year-old Marian Lusk paid a visit to the West House on Monday to make a special donation. Marian raised money for the Ronald McDonald House by selling hand-made knitted hats to other residents at the Hope Village assisted living home where she lives, which is run by the Marquis Companies. Marquis matched the money that Marian raised, and organized a special visit to the house, so that she could donate the money in person, along with more of her hand-knitted hats to give to families at the house.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Weed and Feed today, a glorious spring day perfect for gardening at the Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers helped both houses get their gardens and outdoor areas ready for the rest of spring and summer, planting flowers, pruning, raking, and pulling weeds. Thanks also to McDonald’s who donated lunch for everyone involved.

A group of students from Oregon Episcopal School spent today at the Ronald McDonald House as part of the school’s annual service day commemorating the Mt. Hood tragedy in the 1980’s. The group of Upper School students worked in the garden, and built 8 new bird houses, which had been made earlier by lower school students from OES. The lower school students also made special cards for families at the Ronald McDonald House, which came with the bird houses.

Special cards for RMHC families from OES elementary school students.

Nike Golf has donated some great items for the tee prize bags at the Golf Tournament this year. The items in this photo are just some of the merchandise participants receive when they sign in the morning of the tournament.

This year’s golf tournament begins Sunday, July 18, with a special social event at the Tiger Woods Center on the Nike campus, featuring Hollywood screenwriter and director John Lee Hancock of The Blind Side. The tournament itself takes place the following day, Monday, July 19 at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club.

Click here to register for either event!

When the Scofield family went home today, they left a special gift at the Ronald McDonald House that other families can share. While his grandson Spencer was in the hospital for more than a month, Spencer’s grandfather RC Kennedy was hand-crafting a beautiful wooden rocking horse as a way to thank RMHC for taking care of their family. The rocking horse is now a permanent part of the East House library, inscribed with Spencer’s name on the underside, as a small reminder of their time at the house.

Spencer and the rocking horse in the East House library.

Staff from Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club brought festive fun to the Ronald McDonald House for Cinco de Mayo last night with a delicious Mexican buffet, and colorful decorations like the Mexican flag and sombreros for the dining room the tables.

Every summer, RMHC holds our annual golf tournament at Pumpkin Ridge. This year’s tournament takes place July 18 & 19. Registration is open now. Find out more details here.