There are two days left until 2011 but there is still time to make a contribution to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington this year. Our office will be open until 5 pm on December 31, and you can always make a gift through our website right up until the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
We shared photos of the East House Holiday lights earlier this month, and today we want to share photos from the West House. Happy Holiday’s to everyone, thank you for your generosity throughout the year!
Last summer, LPGA Golfer Allison Hanna and friends hosted the golf tournament Forks, Corks and Wedges at The Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club, which benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Portland-based golf pro recruited colleagues from the LPGA tour to partner with foursomes in the tournament, so that participants could experience what it was like to hit the links with a professional. Yesterday, the Forks, Corks and Wedges team visited the East House to present a check for $21,000 to RMHC, which they raised during the tournament. We wish to thank everyone who was involved with making the tournament so succesful – Allison Hanna, John Bladholm, 3Tree Inc., Parr Lumber, and all those who took part!
The Funrue family shared their story with reporter Kelly Koopmans from KVAL TV in Eugene for a piece broadcast last Friday. Click below to watch their story.
Employees with Marquis Companies visited both Portland houses this week to deliver gifts and food supplies to families at the Ronald McDonald House. Marquis operates retirement and assisted livings facilities in the Northwest, and staff had been gathering items to donate throughout the Holiday season. They included much needed gifts for teens and parents, as well as hand-made items!
The West House held its annual holiday party last night to thank the House Volunteers who dedicate so much time to making the house a home away from home. The volunteers enjoyed dinner from Baja Fresh, a sampling of homemade desserts, and an competitive game of Secret Santa. Thank you to all the volunteers for all you do throughout the year!
Each year, Ron and Judy Appelbaum celebrate the holidays by throwing a party to collect toys and donations for children and families at the Ronald McDonald House. The Appelbaum’s gather up the gifts and bring them to the House. This year, Ron was filming a home video as the Appelbaum’s made their donation, so party guests could see their gifts being delivered. We wanted to share the video as well, and say thank you to the Appelbaum’s and all their party guests!
A second grader at Oregon Episcopal School donated her handmade quilt to a family at the Ronald McDonald House last week, the first quilt she has ever made. Nora began the project in September with the help of her teacher Christina, and the two worked together to complete the quilt, picking out favorite fabrics and learning new stitches along the way. Nora, her mom, and her teachers visited the house last week to deliver the quilt, and learn more about the Ronald McDonald House.
The staff at Bainbridge Design visited the East House on Thursday to put up the Christmas Tree in the lobby, and decorate the house for the holidays. Visit their website at bainbridgedesign.com.
Staff at the East House threw a holiday party last night to thank the many House Volunteers who dedicate their time to the Ronald McDonald House. Whether it’s preparing rooms, cleaning up in the kitchen, or organizing the storage room, the house could not operate without them!
