December 23, 2011

Dorothy Bridwell Donation Used for Share-a-Night

Dorothy Bridwell, long time Ronald McDonald House volunteer and former board member, made a generous donation to the charity in the amount of $18,250 this year. Dorothy volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House for over fifteen years. She passed away this summer at the age of 87. Dorothy always loved the house, her daughter Deb Elwood writes that, “I remember that mom really enjoyed working at the Ronald McDonald House and it was one of her favorite charities.” In her honor, Dorothy’s gift was designated for our Share-a-Night program, to help families defray the expense of their stay at the house.

A Family's Time at the Ronald McDonald House

Young parents Monique Ramsey and Maurice Quinton were surprised when their twins Elliott and Anyla came early. The couple was able to use the services of the Ronald McDonald House during the two months that their children were hospitalized. Happily, the family was able to return home before the holidays.

What You Can Do To Help

The Ronald McDonald House runs on the generosity, talent and time of its many volunteers. Volunteers help prepare meals for our families, clean the house, fill our pantry and help with general maintenance. If you’d like more information about how you can volunteer contact our House Manager Jenny Taylor at 785-235-6852 or Jennifer@rmhctopeka.org

Facilities Enhancement Project

We have started to raise money for a facilities enhancement project at the Ronald McDonald House. This is a five-year $350,000 enhancement project designed to upgrade the mechanical, fire and security systems as well as repoint and repair masonry and windows. This year we have raised $91,000 through foundation grants and private contributions and a total of $101,000 has been raised for the project since 2010.

The house is over 100 years old and most of the systems date from the rehabilitation 25 years ago. We want to cut our energy bills with new HVAC and plumbing, benefit from enhanced fire and security systems, and maintain the physical structure of the building with masonry and window repair.

You can help support the project through a donation of stock, a check or a pledge. For more information about the project contact CEO/ Executive Director Martha Hagedorn-Krass at 785-235-6852 or Martha@rmhctopeka.org.

2010 Annual Report

In 2010, we helped 189 families and 401 individuals ease their way through the days and months before their children were ready to go home form the hospital. Our facility operates 24/7, 365 days a year.

Our expenses were $374,895, broken down by program services 61%, general and administrative 27%, and fundraising 12%. Our fundraising revenues were $323,685.

During the year we grew our Share-a-Night program, launched Run for Ronald 5K, and initiated the facilities enhancement project.

Staff Transitions

Jenny Taylor joined the Ronald McDonald House as the House Manager in September. Jenny’s background includes working for the State of Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services Department and the Topeka Aids Projects as a case manager. She holds a degree from Washburn University in Human Services. Jenny replaces Terra Jones, who transitioned to a position with Stormont-Vail.

Michelle Connolly joined our staff in September as the Administrative Assistant. Michelle worked for Liberty Mutual for many years. She replaces Carylon Pavlacka, who decided to enjoy retirement with her husband.

End of Year Donations

You can donate online at www.rmhctopeka.org, send us a check directly, stop by the house, or transfer stock. All donations help to ensure that our level of service remains high.