Witnessing Generosity
January 27, 2016
By Andrea Biada, Major Gift Officer
For the past several years I headed our company’s annual holiday drive and I chose the Ronald McDonald House as the charity who would receive our contributions. With the Wish List in hand, I spoke to my coworkers and encouraged them to purchase items from the list for this great cause. The first time I came to the House was to drop off the assortment of items we collected during the holiday drive. As soon as the front doors opened, I felt warmth and compassion from the front desk volunteers and staff members. I was immediately impressed and drawn to the House and its mission.
Shortly thereafter, I noticed the Major Gift Officer position available on the Central Ohio AFP’s website. As I was reading the position posting I was instantly evoked with the same feelings of gratitude and warmth that I felt upon entering the Ronald McDonald House that cold, winter day not long ago. Needless to say, I joined the RMHC team in August of 2015 as Major Gift Officer and I couldn’t be more pleased in my new role.
As Major Gift Officer I meet with foundations and submit grant applications to secure funding for the House. I also give tours to familiarize groups, companies, and individuals with RMHC and its mission. I present naming opportunities, both annual and permanent room signs, as well as pavers for purchase to the groups. Our newest initiative, the Adopt-a-Family program, allows individuals and companies to adopt one or more of our guest families each year to ensure families have a place to call “home”.
The generosity that I see on a daily basis from our Central Ohio community and beyond is truly amazing. I’ve encountered folks who are already engaged in the House, groups new to RMHC, donors, and volunteers, and all come to the House with the same purpose – to help provide our families with the love and support they need to get through this difficult time. I’m grateful to witness such compassion, generosity, and devotion to one House and its mission. I look forward to accomplishing many things in 2016, but most important is working closely with the community to support the Ronald McDonald House and its mission.
What’s In a Name?
February 11, 2015By Darla Stover
Pavers are a just one great way to leave your legacy at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House
As I walk the halls of the Ronald McDonald House, I am amazed every day at the support coming from the Columbus community. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio is so fortunate to be located in such a philanthropic city. As of October 2014, the 1.8 million people in the Columbus Metropolitan Area gave $1.08 billion to charity. The philanthropic spirit of Columbus is very evident at RMHC.
Throughout the House are the names of companies, foundations, individuals and organizations that have chosen to become a permanent part of the Ronald McDonald House. On the guest rooms are names of both permanent and annual supporters of the House. The maze of hallways and 137 guest rooms proudly boast the names of those who have chosen to become long-term supporters of RMH. The rooftop patio overlooking the courtyard holds pavers with meaningful quotes, memorials, company logos, volunteers, families and individuals that have left a legacy atop the expansion.
Throughout the courtyard, gardens and play space, large rocks with supporters names inscribed in them dot the landscape. These donors were instrumental in leading a successful capital campaign to build the expansion that opened in September 2014. The hallways themselves, as well as the community rooms, boast of the donors who adopted them.
These people who walk through the front doors of the Ronald McDonald House immediately feel the energy of the supporters-families, volunteers, corporations, foundations, individuals, groups and staff members. How can I help? What can I do? What can I give? These are questions we hear all the time at RMH. The partnerships and friendships created at the Ronald McDonald House are long-lasting, meaningful and impactful. Corporate partners extend their reach to their foundations, employees and clients. Individuals invite friends from their social circles and associates from their work to be a part of this community of families all caring for their hospitalized children at their home-away-from-home.