Dear Friends,

We are celebrating the 45th anniversary of RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown this year and that means we are celebrating all of you. Founded on the belief that no child should ever be alone when facing a medical crisis, you help us continue the mission four and a half decades later.

Your kindness and generosity gives every family who walks through our doors strength, courage and hope at a time when it can be difficult to find. You see, throughout the Charity’s history, the Ronald McDonald House has never been just a place to stay, but a home filled with love because of people like you. 

There is not a day that goes by when I don’t hear from a family about the many ways you have touched their lives. I encourage you to take a moment and see it firsthand by viewing the 2023 Impact Report. The numbers in this report represent every family who traveled for their sick child and found comfort at the Charity and those who made it happen.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey. We look forward to continuing the work with you that has kept so many families together in their greatest time of need.

Take Care,

Eleanor B. Reigel, MPH

Chief Executive Officer

RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown

It is our pleasure to introduce to you the Charity’s President of the Board of Directors, Sheliah Heckla. She succeeds Mark Giaquinto, who served multiple terms as Board President. We recently asked Sheliah a handful of questions; Get to know her and her family by reading her answers on Facebook and Instagram.  

We are always excited to share the many ways the community comes together to provide families with the comforts of home. Here are just a few…

Freedom Kia

Grateful for the continued support of Freedom Kia in Morgantown! They donated $50 for every vehicle sold throughout the entire month of January and presented a check for $3,500. This is the second time the dealership chose to support RMHC.

Send a Heart

We asked and you answered. Thank you to everyone who filled our Houses with love on Valentine's Day by sending a heartfelt message to the families. Over 100 inspirational messages were sent and each one was displayed on a heart, filling our hallways for all to see.

Kids Helping Kids

One part games, one part crafts, one part food and seven parts compassion---that’s the recipe for a fun afternoon at RMHC. Sixth & Seventh Grade Students for Charity, started by Kimberly Ghirardi at Hermitage School District, collected games and craft supplies as well as served a delicious lunch---complete with homemade cupcakes!

In the News

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile was featured on Pittsburgh Today Live on February 16th. Supporting underserved communities by providing pediatric medical services, RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown CEO Eleanor Reigel discussed the impact of the program on those who rely on it. Watch the story here.

As Ronald McDonald House Morgantown undergoes construction for an expansion that includes 11 additional rooms and the renovation of existing spaces, we are excited to share with you profiles, updates and features during this transformational project.

Meet Jamie Johnson

Operations Manager for all Allegheny Construction Group construction projects to include oversight of all Project Managers and

Project Superintendents 

Jamie serves in three main capacities with regard to this project. He is RMHC’s Construction Manager, Liaison between the Architect, RMHC and Contractor and Allegheny’s Project Manager for all major purchases, scheduling, facilitating the Construction’s Progress Meetings.



Tell us about your background in this field and how you got started.

I have been involved in the construction field since my formative, high school years (thanks to my uncles at Dick Corporation at the time). Beginning as a high school sophomore, I worked as a laborer in the summers and all through college. I earned my Civil Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and formally went to work for Dick Corporation right after graduating college in 1979 and spent nearly 30 years there in various roles.  

What other projects have you worked on at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown?

I was the Project Manager for Allegheny Construction Group during the renovation of space that became the new home of RMHC of Pittsburgh in the Plaza Building at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (2010) and was also involved in RMHC’s Roof Top Patio construction three years later. I was also involved in providing the Hospitality Cart for the Morgantown House.

What is the progression of the project and why?

The intent is to keep as many Guest Rooms operational during construction as possible. We started with the interior renovation in the new Staff Area with the goal of completing that work by the end of April. The expanded Lower Parking Lot was completed this past December and accommodates parking for RMHC Staff and Guests, workers, and storage space.

Work on the new East Addition and Lower Parking Lot expansion began simultaneously so that earth excavated for addition would provide fill material for the parking lot. The new East Addition is progressing; the foundation walls and new east stair tower are complete. The basement slab is poured and construction of the new East Addition walls and floor decks has begun. We anticipate having the roof framing and plywood next month.

Renovations to the existing Guest Rooms will begin once the new East Addition is complete and open for Guests. Once the new Staff Area is complete and RMHC Staff relocate to the new Staff Area, renovations to the new pantry and playroom will commence.

Our goal is to complete the new Addition by June/July 2024 and to complete renovations to the existing Guest Rooms by the end of October 2024.

What is unique about this project?

There are a number of strategic elements to this project:

1. Maintaining access for Staff and Guests to the rear of the building while the new East Addition foundation is constructed;
2. Insuring that Guests and RMHC Staff have safe access through and around the interior renovations in progress, particularly where the new elevator shaft is to be located in the middle of the building;
3. Maintaining power, phone, internet and cable services during the construction;
4. Keeping the building weather-protected and warm while we open up the front of the existing Building to construct the new Lobby Entrance;
5. Providing sufficient parking while the extended parking lot is under construction;
6. Most importantly, being mindful and respectful of the Guests still in residence at the House – adjusting where we work due to noise or dirt to accommodate Guests. The Guests and Staff have been very understanding, allowing Allegheny and our Construction Team to make significant progress over the first six months of the project. 

A Brother's Mission to Honor His Sister

To honor his sister Chelsea’s legacy, Nick Wheeler began a fundraiser in her name to benefit RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown, a place that his sister cared about, and his family came to rely on.



In 2015, Chelsea had an organ transplant. Developing complications two years later, she passed away in the summer of 2017. Staying at the Pittsburgh House throughout her medical journey, her family found it to be a much-appreciated resource during her long hospital stays.

Nick notes the fundraiser began simply. Hosting it between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chelsea’s two favorite holidays, he and his sister, Julia, made flyers and reached out to friends and family for donations. With the money raised, he purchased the most needed items on the Charity’s Wish List. Now in its fourth year, this special project has grown, reaching more people than ever. Continuing to purchase from the Wish List, in 2023, Nick bought dishwashers for family apartments that needed replacements.

Knowing the support the Charity provided his family, Nick’s mission to honor his sister continues through his commitment to help others.

“The Ronald McDonald House provided so much for us and gives so much to other families on a daily basis. It only feels right to give back to them each year as a way to say thank you and to keep my sister's name alive,” said Nick.

Sacks for Kids Program is a Win for RMHC Families

For nine seasons, Bordas & Bordas Law firm has donated $500 to RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown for every sack the Steelers make in a season. With the latest season wrapped up, the team recorded 59 sacks, totaling $29,500. CEO Eleanor Reigel joined members of the law firm for a check presentation at the final home game of the year. Since the program’s inception in 2015, Bordas & Bordas has donated nearly $300,000 to support families staying at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. 

Check out these news links to see more

The Intelligencer WTRF WTOV9

It's Always a Great Day for Hockey

at the Ronald McDonald House 

Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin continues to score big for the families at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Through his “I’m Score for Kids” initiative, he donates $710 to the Charity for every point he scores. As of February 23rd, he has tallied 43 points, totaling $30,530. Additionally, local McDonald’s restaurants will match the donation, dollar for dollar. 

And the Total Is...

Thank you to local McDonald’s restaurants and their customers for participating in the Round-Up for RMHC program. Every time you round up your order, you support families in need. In 2023, your generosity, cents at a time, totaled $423,911. That's a significant impact to the Charity, and an easy way to help families.

Golf, Walk, Celebrate

Big Mac Open

Raising more than $1million for RMHC families since its inception, the Big Mac Open will be in full swing on Monday, June 17th at Valley Brook Country Club.

This event has supported thousands of families traveling for medical care for more than 30 years. Thank you to the many mission partners and participants who support this event, providing comfort to those who rely on the Charity.

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

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Charity, the special evening will include food, entertainment, raffles and live and silent auctions.

We have added another way for you to get the Charity's latest news and happenings. You can now join us on LinkedIn! Follow us on this channel and others by accessing the social media icons below.