RMHC History
Programs & Services
Signature Events
100

Ronald McDonald House was founded in this year in Philadelphia. 

1974

100

Located just steps away from pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, this RMHC program offers families a place to rest, recharge, and regroup within the hospital itself. 

Ronald McDonald Family Room

100

This annual gala event is RMHC SWFL’s biggest fundraiser, bringing together supporters for an elegant evening to celebrate families and raise vital funds.

Storybook Ball

200

This pioneering oncologist recognized the need for a comfortable, supportive place for families to stay while their children received medical care—an idea that inspired the first Ronald McDonald House.


Dr. Audrey Evans

200

Bringing healthcare to underserved communities, this RMHC program delivers medical, dental, and health education services aboard a brightly colored vehicle.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program
200

In 2025, RMHC SWFL debuted this new event featuring live music, bourbon tastings, and a country meets elegant atmosphere—an exciting fundraiser poised to become as iconic as their Storybook Ball.

Denim & Diamonds

300

Her battle with leukemia inspired her father, a Philadelphia Eagles football player, to help create a 'home-away-from-home' for families near the hospital.

Kim Hill

300

In 2024, this was the average number of nights a family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House.

34 Nights

300

The Frederic Family started RMHC SWFL’s first golf tournament, but in 2017, this group took over organizing the event and covers 100% of the expenses, ensuring all proceeds go directly to RMHC SWFL.

Grampy's Charities

400

Sales from this seasonal McDonald’s treat helped raise the initial funds to open the very first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia in 1974.

Shamrock Shake

400

Although no family is ever turned away for inability to pay, this is the suggested nightly donation amount for families staying at a Ronald McDonald House.

$10.00

400

Alongside Grampy’s Charities, this national foundation supports youth shooting sports and conservation, serving as a major sponsor of the annual Sporting Clays Tournament held each March.

Kids and Clays Foundation

500

Before it became known as Ronald McDonald House, this was the original name proposed for the first House in Philadelphia.

The House That Love Built

500

This furry friend is the newest RMHC SWFL Brand Ambassador, bringing paws and smiles to the Pawsitive Pooches program.

Waffle

500

In 1995, RMHC SWFL’s very first Storybook Ball theme was inspired by this classic fairy tale princess.

Cinderella