The Way to Our Hearts
May 11, 2016By Mackenzie Schuler
Food brings people together. It’s no secret eating a meal with loved ones is a time for us to unwind, relax, and catch up with the ones who know our hearts. Some of my best memories growing up were spent around the dinner table with my entire family. I feel as if life slows down when I spend time with the ones who know me best when we are eating some amazing food.
I think the same thing happens at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. Volunteers prepare meals every day to help give a taste of home to our families who are dealing with a child in the hospital. I see families every day, many who do not know each other, some who do not even speak the same language, and they have a common bond—a child in the hospital. They come together, day after day over a meal, and it is a simple thing that is so therapeutic for our families. If you have never baked or made a meal for our families, I highly recommend it!
Food has a way of creating community. I think that’s why I am so excited about the events we have happening for RMHC of Central Ohio. Brunch Around Columbus (Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th) benefits RMHC of Central Ohio and you can head to some of the best restaurants in Columbus: Seventh Son Brewing and Challah Food Truck, Kraft House No. 5, The Angry Baker and Taste of Belgium. Yum! Grab your friends and family, and go get brunch that benefits RMHC!
Food Truck Fridays is another event that is bringing people together for greater good. Every Friday from now-August 26th, 11 am-2 pm some of the best food trucks in Columbus will be at the Ronald McDonald House while they generously donate 10% of their proceeds back to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House every Friday! Below is the schedule. We have amazing trucks and amazing lines, so come hungry! These organizations understand the importance of serving families of seriously ill children, so we are incredibly grateful for their support.
Food can bring people together. These experiences listed can create a common bond for your team, friends, and family. Whether it’s through volunteering or attending one of the events listed above, people will always talk about food—it’s the way to our hearts!
Team RMHC: Helping families of seriously-ill children one mile at a time
October 21, 2015Last year, Shannon Thomas’ cousin had premature twin boys, Cale and Cole, born in Marietta, Ohio. The twins were healthy in size for being born premature. However, they had multiple complications and were rushed to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Cale and Cole stayed in the NICU for close to two months.
Start line of the 2015 Columbus Marathon
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio became a huge blessing for Shannon’s cousin during an extremely difficult and stressful time. It allowed them to stay close to their babies, rest in a comfortable bed and enjoy delicious, homemade food.
Shannon was so moved when she heard about the option to run for Team RMHC, Ronald McDonald House’s charity running team, stating:
“The decision to join Team RMHC was a no brainer. I completed my first marathon in May for my own personal goals, but this one is for the twins!”
Team RMHC is filled with runners motivated by similar stories. They have each been touched by the love and care that flows from the Ronald McDonald House. Emily Smith and her family stayed at the House while her brother, Will recovered from a tragic car accident. Emily even completed training for her first marathon on a RMHC treadmill in the Columbus Crew SC exercise room! Parker Sinclair has volunteered at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House with the Red Shoe Society and joined Team RMHC with his wife, Elizabeth. Ken Grape’s grandson was born prematurely. The House saved his grandson’s parents a two-hour drive while he spent 7 weeks in the NICU. The stories of Team RMHC runners are what drives each runner, what motivates them to stomp out another mile, what encourages them to finish the fight! Thirty runners completed the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon or Half Marathon to celebrate and cherish the stories that connected them to RMHC of Central Ohio.
30 runners.
13.1 or 26.2 miles completed.
$19,512 raised.
195 nights of rest provided for RMHC families.
Ready to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of RMHC families? Join Team RMHC for our spring season!