Lift Our Families!
We have been serving families for over 25 years—our first House opened on the campus of AdventHealth for Children (then-Florida Hospital for Children) in 1996, with the following House opening on the campus of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in 2003, and our last House opened on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health in 2016.
Our first two Houses are in need of modifications and upgrades to their elevator systems, which are the original elevators installed during the construction of each House. Between these two Ronald McDonald Houses, 70% of the rooms (42 of the 60) are on the second or third floor. Many of the families who stay with us have children with special needs, strollers, or are simply too exhausted to use the stairs. Additionally, the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DPBR) for the State of Florida is requiring updates of our operating systems and mechanisms to ensure the safety of anyone using an elevator at one of these Houses.
Your donations help us Lift Our Families—directly supporting the replacement of the current elevator systems in these two Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando.
Victory Cup Initiative
The Victory Cup Initiative is a platform where companies come together for philanthropic investing with a twist. This unique event is designed to provide a high-profile opportunity for charitable organizations to tell their stories, build their strategies and partner with business and community leaders to make a difference in Central Florida.
This month, RMHCCF was one of 10 Central Florida nonprofits chosen to tell their story in two minutes or less. Our Chief Development Officer, Jarrod, did an amazing job at depicting the mission and results RMHCCF has. Thanks to the Victory Cup Initiative and a room full of generous donors, RMHCCF was awarded $50,000. Thanks to thisgenerosity, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida can keep our doors open 365 days a year — so families can be closer to help their child heal.
The Maysonet Family
While Grace Kmillah Maysonet received care in the NICU for 59 days, RMHCCF was able to provide comforting accommodations near the hospital so her parents, Jessica and Carlos, could spend as much time as possible supporting her.
Jessica says, “Grace Kmillah was so tiny and fragile, only weighing 2.7lbs, I thought she wouldn’t make it. I literally felt as if I was running a marathon and I could see the finish line but further and further each time, then suddenly someone picked me up, carried me and finished the race for me. Because of RMHCCF we were able to spend time with Grace and participate in her care, communicate face to face with doctors and when something unexpected happened we were right there by her side. We still have a long road ahead, and maybe you do to, but if you have Ronald McDonald House you will be supported and cared for. We are forever grateful.”
