The Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC), celebrated the groundbreaking of a $12 million expansion that will more than double the size of the current House. More than 100 community leaders, donors, volunteers and House families came out to the program milestone.
Over the summer, the House introduced “Growing to Meet the Need,” a philanthropic effort to raise $12 million to help support more families with critically-ill children from the Inland Empire and beyond. For nearly 20 years, the House has been a “home-away-from-home” keeping families together and close to their critically-ill child while they receive life-saving treatment. Two major philanthropic organizations stepped forward to support the effort. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians provided the lead gift of $5.6 million and McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC) contributed over $1.25 million in addition to its ongoing support of RMHCSC. Both groups have a long history of supporting the House’s mission and were onsite at the event. Tribe leaders also honored the program by performing a traditional blessing of the land.
To date, the program has raised more than 73 percent of its goal, which amounts to over $8.7 million. The expansion will allow the House to add 33 rooms, increasing the total number from 21 to 54. It will also expand its kitchen and dining areas, as well as the common spaces, including the playroom and business office. The Loma Linda House serves more than 1,000 families each year from areas, including Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley and beyond.
“The support for this expansion has been unparalleled and shows how important this program is to the community,” said Derek Hanson, board chair, Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House. “We’re here to keep families close when it matters most and studies show that what the House offers actually improves families overall hospital experience. We thank all of our donors for helping to get us to this point, especially San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and McDonald’s for their incredible commitment.”
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and McDonald’s have been major supporters of the Chapter and Loma Linda House. The partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians began in 1998. Over the years, the Tribe has answered the call in times of need, supporting the program with key contributions for previous renovations and improvements, as well as meals for the families. In recent years, as the House reached up to 150% occupancy, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians provided funding for temporary housing for families at local hotels. In 2011, RMHCSC was a recipient of the Tribe’s prestigious Yawa’ Award in the program area of Health.
McDonald’s has been the Mission Partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities® for 40 years and MOASC has supported the Southern California Chapter since its inception in 1977. It is the Chapter’s largest corporate donor and raises more than $2 million through its restaurants and corporate partners each year. In addition to supporting the Ronald McDonald House program, local owner/operators provide funding for college scholarships and the Community Grants Board. Within the restaurants, RMHC Donation Box contributions remain a strong source of ongoing support and proceeds from daily Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal sales are also donated back. Owner/operators, crew and regional staff are dedicated volunteers and many hold positions on program boards.
The Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House plays a vital role in the continuum of care by balancing a family’s need for both privacy and social support while supporting improved access to quality medical care and helping enhance the hospital experience. Since opening on September 11, 1996 just steps from the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, the House has served more than 19,000 families. The program currently operates over capacity and works to place families at local hotels at a reduced rate until a room becomes available. In 2013, more than 800 families were referred to hotels. For more information, readers can visit http://rmhcsc.org/lomalinda. Community members and businesses can commit to supporting the “Growing to Meet the Need” effort by contacting Executive Director Mike Kovack at mkovack@rmhcsc.org, or by phone at (909) 558-8338.