Studies show that children heal faster and cope better when their families are near. The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of North Central Florida is to directly improve the health and well being of children. They strive to make the difficult times a little bit better by providing families with the opportunity to stay near their child as they battle illnesses just across the street at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Each night, 31 families enjoy a private room that provides all the comforts of home. At UF Health they are also able to take advantage of the Ronald McDonald Family Room® which allows a quiet room for a nap, computer access or even just a cup of coffee. This room helps families and guests find a balance between home, work and the hospital, all while remaining close to their child.
These comforts of home are made possible by thousands of volunteers and donors who provide personal donations, in-kind gifts and services and attend the special fundraising events the local chapter holds each year.
One of their most popular events, the Fourth Annual Gingerbread House event, “Build a House for the House”, will be held on Friday, December 13, beginning at noon. This fun afternoon at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club is full of holiday cheer, delicious food and friendly competition. Individuals are provided with a single gingerbread house and have one hour to turn it into their very own work of art. All houses are then judged and the winners are chosen. Last year the event raised more than $25,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida. This year they hope to increase this number to $30,000. This money goes directly toward providing rooms and amenities for families, such as food, the electric bill, or other needs.
Other opportunities to support families this holiday season by giving them the Gift of Togetherness include donating items from the chapter’s Wish List, making a personal donation through their secure online giving page, and purchasing the special edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook presented exclusively at Dillard’s. Proceeds from cookbook sales go directly to the local Ronald McDonald House Charities chapter.
You can learn more, purchase tickets, or make a gift by visiting their website www.rmhcncf.org.