RMHC History
Ronald McDonald House was founded in this year in Philadelphia.
1974
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
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
Known for their reality TV empire, this family turned selfies, scandals, and shapewear into a billion-dollar brand.
The Kardashians
Before helping families, this staff member was helping her pop girl group hit all the right notes — performing in the vibrant music scene of South Beach, Miami.
Illeny Farese
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
Bringing healthcare to underserved communities, this RMHC program delivers medical, dental, and health education services aboard a brightly colored vehicle.
In 2025, RMHC SWFL will debut this new event featuring live music, bourbon tastings, and a country meets elegant atmosphere... think bales of hay.
Denim & Diamonds
This animated family from Springfield has a dad who loves donuts, a mom with blue hair, and a son who says, “Eat my shorts!”
The Simpsons
Before stepping up to the plate at RMHC SWFL, this staff member worked for a former MLB player and manager for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. Talk about a home run for a first job!
Jess Bucci
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
In 2024, this was the average number of nights a family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House.
34 Nights
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
This family of animated misfits lives on a spooky street, including a tall, thin dad, a deadpan mom, and a daughter who loves hanging out with her disembodied hand.
The Addams Family
Before joining RMHC SWFL, this staff member spent her days horsing around — literally! A skilled equestrian, she rode for eight years and trotted her way to the 4-H State Competition multiple times.
Leanna Gonzalez
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
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
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
This “Full House” family lives in San Francisco and includes Danny, Uncle Jesse, Joey, and three daughters learning about life together.
The Tanner Family
This staff member knows how to drive results... and a limousine! When she’s not at RMHC SWFL, you might just spot her chauffeuring in style.
Lucy Walters
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
This furry friend is the newest RMHC SWFL Brand Ambassador, bringing paws and smiles to the Pawsitive Pooches program.
Waffle
Pirates of the Caribbean narrowly defeated this spooky-yet-whimsical theme for the 2025 Storybook Ball, but like Jack Skellington himself, it might rise again in 2027.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This criminal mastermind family created a media empire in “The Godfather” series, with Don Vito at the helm.
The Corleone Family
Since 1999, this staff member has been "crashing into" Dave Matthews Band concerts... more than 130 times to be exact!
Gina Lombardo