Dear Friends,

Celebrating 45 years! As we commemorate this exciting milestone, I am reminded of the individuals who started it all. They were physicians, parents, and community leaders who were determined to give families traveling for their child’s medical care an atmosphere of caring and support. It was an enormous task, but it was one they were committed to making happen. Working tirelessly, this group of visionaries opened the country’s seventh Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh, initiating a journey that would change thousands of families' lives for decades to come.

As anniversaries are a time to honor the past, they are also a time to celebrate the future. The future at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown holds exciting opportunities – opportunities to expand and help more families. Currently, Ronald McDonald House Morgantown is undergoing a transformational expansion and renovation project to accommodate 11 additional families and provide state-of-the-art enhancements. Upon completion, the Charity’s two Houses will be able to serve up to 101 families each night. 

Making a positive difference in the lives of families while they are facing a medical crisis has been our mission since the beginning. A mission that continues today because of you. You have shown so much compassion, kindness and generosity to the families we serve. You have helped give them strength when they had no where else to find it. Together, we make a difference. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Take Care,

Eleanor B. Reigel, MPH

Chief Executive Officer

RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown

We are so grateful for all the ways the community comes together to support RMHC families.

Meals and More

We were thrilled to have local team members from TJX stores lending a helping hand and heart to support families in need. Stores came together from all over the region and spent three days making meals, visiting families, and planting flowers on our rooftop deck.

Turning Dollars into Dinners

Thanks to our Morgantown friends who helped to make the Dine & Donate at Ruby Tuesday a success. Your burgers, pasta, salads and fries added up for the Charity, supporting families in need.

Kids Helping Kids

Fourteen-year-old Nathan used his birthday money to fill bags with treats and toys for families at RMHC and purchased wish list supplies for the House. Delivering these items on a Saturday afternoon, Nathan ensured there were extra smiles and comfort for those far from home.

The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies recently allocated funds to RMHC’s Jacob Johnson Family Lodging Fund, to support families from their focus area through a generous grant. The Jacob Johnson Family Lodging Fund was established through a generous donation by a former guest family in memory of their son, Jacob, to assist families who are unable to contribute. All families qualify for support from the Jacob Johnson Family Lodging Fund and are not required to submit financial information. 

Through strategic and responsive grantmaking, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies supports programs and organizations that create long-term solutions to the most pressing needs in their community.

Creation Station Comes to RMHC

Creating, building and playing, that’s what you will find children and families doing at the Ronald McDonald House, thanks to a generous donation from BrainSTEM Learning. 

BrainSTEM Learning is an organization that started 14 years ago to promote stem education. With 20 members, the seventh through 12th

grade students attend various STEM competitions, including robotics and electronics. Growing since its inception, members have taken the organization to another level, bringing it to communities in which time and financial barriers may limit exposure to stem activities. The members have brought LEGOs, electronics and robotics games and activity kits to more than 90 neighborhoods.

Looking for an opportunity to also help children who are in the hospital, the organization donated several kits to the Ronald McDonald House. With a customized table set up at the House, children can access the kits at any time, creating together or on their own.

Having these activities at the Ronald McDonald House not only promotes fun, education and friendships for the kids and families, but also provides a welcomed distraction for why they are there. 

Construction continues at Ronald McDonald House Morgantown. The thoughtfully designed expansion and renovation project will include 11 additional family rooms and redesigned community spaces for increased accessibility. Check out the progress by clicking here.

Did you know that RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown also takes its mission on the road through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program? The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile travels to underserved communities in the Greater Pittsburgh region to provide pediatric medical services, ensuring children get the services they need.

Sue Otto, Executive Director for the Center for Hope, shared that the need for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile was so great in the greater Ambridge community, the schedule filled up well in advance.

“Having this resource to help people in poverty access free care in their own backyard is amazing. We could have filled the vehicle up for days,” said Sue.

At the Center for Hope, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile staff provided both wellness and sick care, including school-required health services such as physical exams, eye exams and immunizations.

“The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile was so critical in helping the children get ready for the new school year,” said Sue. 

Malkin and McDonald's Make a Difference

He’s done it again! Evgeni Malkin, alternate Captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins, tallied 67 points on the season, leading to an incredible donation of $47,570 to the Charity through his “I’m Score for Kids” promotion.

In an incredible move of their own, local McDonald's restaurants are matching Malkin's donation, increasing the total donation this season to RMHC to $95,140!

Click below to see more about this amazing partnership

WPXI

CBS

Yahoo Sports

Pensburgh

NHL News

Teamwork Brings Comfort to RMHC

What do you get when you combine three iconic brands, two cool items and one great idea? The McDonald’s/Pittsburgh Penguins cup sleeve promotion benefiting RMHC and a significant fundraising tally. Generating nearly $60,000 for the Charity, this fun campaign not only raised significant dollars, it brought awareness to the Charity and our partnerships with both the Pens and McDonald’s. That’s some spectacular teamwork!

Read more about this story in the Morgantown Dominion Post

Celebrating the Mission

Big Mac Open Tees Off in June

The Big Mac Open is sold out! A huge thanks to our Mission Partners, event sponsors and event committee for helping to achieve this milestone! Benefitting families who rely on the services of the Charity, the event features a round of golf at Valley Brook Golf Club, lunch and dinner, an awards ceremony and an online auction featuring Golf foursomes, Steelers tickets, Pirates Club seats, sports memorabilia and more.

Walk for a Healthy Community

The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is scheduled for Saturday, June 22. Over the years, individuals and teams have walked to support RMHC families at this fun-filled event, raising both awareness and funding for the Charity. This family and pet friendly walk also includes raffles, music, entertainment and more. 

Red Shoe Ball

Celebrating 45 Years

Saturday, November 9

The Event Center

Rivers Casino

This special evening will commemorate the Charity's 45th anniversary with great food, music, auctions, raffles and more.