Thursday, October 15, 2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the first of 288 Ronald McDonald Houses in 52 countries and regions throughout the world, and of four in the Greater Philadelphia Region. These include the Philadelphia House's two locations (on Chestnut Street, and at the intersection of Front Street and Erie Avenue); the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey, the world's 51st House, founded in 1983; and the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, the world's 137th House, founded in 1991.
"Together, our Region's Ronald McDonald Houses have proudly served as safe, affordable 'homes away from home' for nearly 75,000 families of seriously or chronically ill or injured children who've received treatment at area hospitals," said John Durante, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of the Philadelphia Region, Inc.
At Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide, families can enjoy home-cooked meals, private bedrooms and playrooms for children. Additional services may also include special suites for children with suppressed immune systems, accredited education programs, recreational activities, non-clinical support services and sibling support services.
In return for services, families are asked to make a donation from $5 to $25 per day, depending on the House, although families are never turned away; if it is not possible to pay, the fee is waived.
Area Houses receive their support through the generosity of volunteers, donors and RMHC of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., whose mission is to directly improve the health and well being of local children. The Houses and charity in turn support 15 area Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, located within local hospitals and medical facilities, which replicate the home-like atmosphere of the Houses.
To commemorate the 35th anniversary, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House will host a birthday celebration on October 15 at which House founders Jimmy Murray and Dr. Audrey Evans will join guest families and staff in baking a birthday cake in the shape of the first House. The House will also host a birthday party at the Please Touch Museum on November 6, featuring food, dancing, exhibitions and a ceremony at which the House will present the "Dr. Audrey E. Evans Award of Excellence."
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