2014 Newsletter - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore
Transcription
2014 Newsletter - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore
Gigi's Story Page 12 I M PA C T 15 international countries served $7.76 2014 by the numbers There is only one Ronald McDonald House in the state of Maryland. 1,396 families have come through our doors in the past year average room rate paid per night No family is ever turned away for an inability to pay. volunteers make dinner for our families 365 days of the year average length of stay (we always have a waiting list) our doors have been open We have been home to more than states served in 2014 including Hawaii and Alaska volunteer hours donated Millions of smiles families since our opening on June 28, 1982. Hospitals we partner with to provide compassionate care: of our annual operating budget is raised locally Each night 36 families share our home. We provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Johns Hopkins Hospital University of Maryland Medical Center Kenedy Krieger Institute The Rubin Institute at Sinai R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital O u r B oard Chair, Investments Marty Domres Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Chair, Grants Tina Baxter McDonald’s Owner Operator Chair, Nominations Keith Persinger Chairman Chuck Langmead, Ret. McCormick & Co., Inc. Immediate Past Chairman Bill Paterakis Northeast Foods Vice Chair Kristy Eriksson Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Treasurer Rick Smith Gary R. Bozel & Associates, PA Secretary Dr. Vanessa Paterakis Chair, Development Stacey Ullrich Under Armour Cover photo by Kim Meagher. 2 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore Elisa Mintz Delia Kennedy Krieger Institute Joe Ehrmann Building Men and Women For Others Robert Ferguson Becton Dickinson Farideh Mirmiran Community Volunteer University of Maryland Medical Center Mike Moore Exec. Member at Large Richard Berman Anita Nucci Mid Atlantic Shore Properties Exec. Member at Large Mark Furr McDonald’s Owner Operator Orville Benning McDonald’s Owner Operator Beth Bounds Johns Hopkins Children's Center Mark Brodinsky New York Life Joseph L. Cox IV McDonald's Owner/Operator Melissa Delaney Legg Mason, Red Shoe Crew President DACG Commercial Founding Member Tim O’Donald Harbor East Management Group, LLC Beth Rosenwald RBC Wealth Management Stevan G. Simons Simons & Goldner, P.A. Adam E. Snavely The Poole and Kent Corporation: An EMCOR Company Sandy Pagnotti Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore Message From S andy OUR TE A M On my desk, my favorite quote is framed. “A Joyful Spirit is Evidence of a Grateful Heart.” I believe this to be true, and try to live each day with a grateful heart. Gratitude is an underestimated virtue, and yet one of the most transformative if you practice it daily. The picture on the left shows our team jumping for joy…and behind the crazy costumes and rose colored glasses, our unmistakable joy is an expression of our grateful hearts. We are grateful for the honor and the privilege of spending our days at RMH. There is not one week that goes by that one of us does not say out loud “we are so lucky and so blessed to be here.” We are grateful for our volunteers, who come selflessly 365 days a year, morning, afternoon & evening, to nourish the bodies and feed the souls of the families and children of RMH. Your servant hearts and kindness of spirit humble us. We are grateful for the donors, who give generously to keep the doors of compassion open. Every dollar is raised locally and without you, we could not provide 13,760 days & nights of care each year. We are grateful for our hospital partners. Because of your world class medical care, we meet families from all over the state, the country and the globe who come to Baltimore in search of hope and healing. Sandy Pagnotti President & CEO Debbie Hood Vice President Susan Salt House Manager/ Family Advocate Erin Bradley Capital Campaign Coordinator Brenda Brown Executive Assistant/ Grants Coordinator Amber Rose Gaines Volunteer Manager Lauren Kohr Development and Community Relations Manager Ashley O’Connor Family Services Manager Larry Steele Transportation Manager This is our Guest Services Manager, Penny Brown, holding baby Penny all the way from Kansas. Two beautiful, bright and shiny girls, just like new pennies! Penny Brown Guest Services Manager Bud Clapsaddle Jack of All Trades Telicia (Lisa) Decosta Guest Services Manager Marlene Gee Quality Control, Laundry Betty Matthews Guest Services Manager Cheryl Wainwright Guest Services Manager Latecia Williams Senior Guest Services Manager We are grateful for the families and children we serve, who show us what courage and resilience look like, and who remind us that hope and miracles can be found in every day. We never take these things for granted. “A Joyful Spirit is Evidence of a Grateful Heart.” Our hearts ARE grateful, and because of you, the Ronald McDonald House has a joyful spirit that we hope inspires and lifts everyone who comes through our doors. Thank you for all you give and all you do for us all year long. All my best, New House Update! We found the spot! Even the kids are talking about it… Our plans to build a new RMH! The need for our House continues to surge and we have outgrown our beautiful home on Lexington Street. The big news is that we have found a property in Baltimore for our new House. We will have exciting news to share with you in 2015 about our plans to double capacity and never having to turn away a child and family in crisis. Stand by for big news and exciting updates in the year ahead! For more information on our Gifts of Love Annual Appeal, see the back cover of this magazine or the enclosed envelope. www.rmhcbaltimore.org 3 Eve ai R t n s O R E C S B I S G R . E . . F L O f o r Ro n a l d M c D o Grd $480,000 co e R es nald H o use! The Northeast Invitational and RMH/Deborah Paterakis Golf Tournament is the House’s single largest fundraising event, raising a record $480,000 for the House this year! Special love and thanks to Bill Paterakis, Chantelle Keating (Northeast Foods) and all the sponsors, players and volunteers who contributed to this year’s success. T h e “A-t e am ” 2014 Golf Com mit tee (L to R) Ba ck Ro w: He rb Brow n* ; Joyc e Brow n* Bren da Brow n, , An ita Nu cc i*, Sk ip Te nd all *, Bi ll Pa te ra kis Fr on t Row: De bb ie Ho od ; Ro na ld M cD on ald , La ur en Ko hr, Ch an te lle Ke atin g, No t Pi ct ured : Ro d M an n*, Va ne ss a Pa te ra kis , Sa nd y Pa gn ot ti, Ke lsey M ill er *Fou nd in g m em be rs of go lf co m m ittee sin ce in au gu ra l to ur na m en t, he ld in 19 85 Congratulations to Chuck Paterakis for hitting a hole-in-one and winning a Jeep! Guests were treated to a motivational speech by one of our own RMH children, Preston Miller and his mother Leisl. Preston is a miracle survivor of a car acident and shared his outlook on life with remarks entitled “Believe.” A standing ovation and not a dry eye in the House. many Thanks To This Year’s Sponsors! PRESENTING SPONSORS TITLE SPONSORS Marty Domres PLATINUM SPONSORS st 1 PL A C E Co ng r at u l at io to Our Winners ! ns A M King Construction • American Yeast Sales • Ardent Mills McCormick & Co., Inc. • McDonald's Family Restaurants of Greater Baltimore Morgan Stanley • The Poole and Kent Corporation • Red Star Yeast Company, LLC Ryder Transportation Services • Shick USA • Stewart Systems/Baker Thermal Solutions • Thomas G. Tzomides GOLD SPONSORS AB Mauri, Inc. • AMF Bakery Systems • Amoroso's Baking Co. Armada Hoffler Construction Company • Atlas Container Corporation Baker's Express • Bartlett Milling Company • Bay State Milling Beatty/Harvey/Coco Architects • Brown Advisory • Burford Corp. • Corbion Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield • The Coca-Cola Co., NA D. Thomas & Associates, Inc. • Direct Energy Business • DLA Piper • ECBM, Inc. Glen Arm Building Co. • Glenn K. Kikuchi - 442nd RCT, Inc. The Kingstree Group • Keystone Foods • Mallet & Company Mariner Distribution, Inc. • Maxon Lift Corp. • McCain Foods • Merrill Lynch Miller Milling Company • Monoflo International, Inc. New Horizons Baking Company • Puratos Corporation The PNC Financial Services Group • ReConserve of Maryland Schmidt Baking Company • Schoenfeld Insurance • Sinclair Broadcast Group (L to R) Champions Sam DiPaola, Brian grimm, Chuck Paterakis, Scott Wilfong Back row (L to R) adam Snavely, John Prusak, Tom Lynott, in front: Don Campbell with Ronald McDonald 2 nPdLA C MEAL SPONSORS B R E A K FA S T Dean Foods • Fabrite, Inc. • GAIN Clean Fuel • Golden Eagle Extrusions Inc. Great Dane Trailers • Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. • J. Brown Jewelers J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc • Jarvis Steel & Lumber Company • Ken & Kim Brems The Long Company • Single Source Integrated Services Syntax • Zukowski Family Foundation LUNCH David Buffington • Engineered Cold Systems • Insurance Management Consultants J&K Ingredients, Inc. • J.R. Mechanical Services • P.K.B. Contractors, Inc. Residential Title & Escrow Company E DINNER Gallagher, Evelius & Jones • Grocery Haulers, Inc. • Mid South Baking • St. John Properties HELICOPTER “GOLF BALL DROP” RAFFLE rd 3 PL A C E (L to R) eric Smith, Fred Sexton, Vanessa Paterakis and andy Baynor Helicopter Sponsored by Gemini KB Systems To our Hole, Ad & Supporting sponsors not listed in this publication, please receive our thanks for your ongoing support, friendship and partnership. Visit rmhcbaltimore.org/golf to view a full list of 2014 Golf Sponsors. www.rmhcbaltimore.org 5 Thanks to our "Shuffle" Sponsors! Ronald's Shœ Love in Action The Red Shoe Shuffle is not just about the finish line... but the journey. It's all about Faith in Humanity, Hope in Motion, and Love in Action — it is Community defined at the highest level. Together, we share the same goal as we cross the finish line — to show our love and support for every family and every child that needs the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. McDonald's • Under Armour • Northeast Foods The Jerry and Brenda Rush Family Foundation Red High Heel The Rosenwald Team • Harbor East Management The Poole and Kent Corporation • Sylvan Learning Red Boot Saul Ewing, LLC • Legg Mason • Hirsch Electric Evolve Consulting • BGE • Baltimore Ravens • NFM Lending Congratulations to our Wining Runers! 1st place Male Shuffle Winner: Dan Swain 1st place Female Shuffle Winner: Jennifer Short Congratulations to our 2014 Fundraising Challenge Winers! Biggest Team: 1st Shocks Rocks 2nd Continental Realty Corporation 3 rd Severn School Most Money Raised by a Team: 1st Team Northwest 2 nd Team Dolan 3 rd Shocks Rocks Most Money Raised by an Individual: 1st Tammy Shockley West 2 nd Michael Derby 3 rd Lili Khozeimeh 6 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore Red Sneaker My Cleaning Service • Walgreens Baltimore District 276 The Lingenfelter Team • Ward Boland Hood and Hodges, P.A. • Maryland Lottery Davis Elen Advertising In-Kind Sponsors Giant Food • Wal-Mart • Coca Cola • CBS Radio Priestly - Mix 106.5 • Smart CEO Magazine • Honest Tea Five Star Entertainment, DJ Brandon Petit • Athletes Serving Athletes Sterling Environmental Services, LLC • Bay Area Disposal Company World Recycling, Inc. • Office Paper Systems, Inc. Canton Cold Stone Creamery • Batman - Lenny Robinson • Ferguson Max Tracks • ER Chimney Services • Uber • Frito-Lay • Polished Girlz To our Red Flip Flop & supporting sponsors not listed in this publication, please receive our thanks for your ongoing support, friendship and partnership. Visit www.redshoeshuffle.org to view a full list of 2014 Red Shoe Shuffle Sponsors. 2,50 runers, walkers and shufflers 150 volunteers 142 teams shuffled across the finish line 30 RMH Families, current & past, atended 14 RMH Children experienced the thrill of victory thanks to Athletes Serving Athletes $290,00 Raised at this year's Shuffle! SAVE THE DATE Sunday, April 12, 2015 Lace up for Love at the 2015 Red Shoe Shuffle! For more information visit www.redshoeshuffle.org. www.rmhcbaltimore.org 7 “Being around other families who are going through a tough time with their own child made for a great circle of support. We couldn’t be more appreciative for our stay at the RMH.” “Thank you! You made us feel like family.” “My daughter said, ‘It’s (RMHC) a paradise for kids!’ Her surgery and therapy was really rough on her and this House brought her comfort!” Thank You Volunteers! Every morning and every night, 365 days a year, Volunteer Groups from all over the state come to our House to prepare homemade meals and host activity hours for our families. Along with the food and fun, you bring your love and compassion to families. We wish we could include you all and hope that you check our Facebook page weekly for photos and thanks to our amazing volunteers. From the moment we arrived we were showered with gifts and that continued all week! The meals/ activities were always something to look forward to. The generosity of others was overwhelming. A special shout out to the Hunt Valley Wegmans for catering our Volunteer Appreciation Party! Sending lots of love and thanks your way! HOST AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER FOR RMHC Spirit of Community Be creative and part of a rewarding experience that raises money for children and families of the Ronald McDonald House. Dress Down Day Bake Sale For more information, contact Lauren Kohr, at [email protected] or 410.528.1010 x114 or visit rmhcbaltimore.org/events/host-an-event Happy Hour Fun Run/Walk Car Wash Homerun Derby Dance-a-Thon Thank you to everyone who hosted a fundraiser to benefit RMHC Baltimore this year! Golf Tournament Cooking Contest Silent Auction Wine Tasting Miles River Yacht Club Marlins Swim-a-Thon On December 17th, 2013, Brandon Kerrigan, was blessed with a new heart. In his honor, the Miles River Yacht Club Marlins hosted a swim-a-thon to raise money for Brandon, and RMHC. They raised money for the RMHC and Brandon was able to swim in this event!! How’s that for a McMiracle? St. Peter and Paul 5k University of MD Baltimore Night at the Ballpark Our neighbors at University of MD Baltimore hosted a night at the ballpark for an Orioles v. Blue Jays game! $5 of every ticket sold through UMB was donated to Habitat for Humanity and RMHC! Dr. Perman was “pitch perfect!” The class of 2015 at Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton, MD hosted a 5k for RMHC! Thank you to the local businesses, SSPP student body, families, Karlie Brenton and SSPP Class of 2015! Wit & Wisdom Turned 2! Hagerstown Pony League Hagerstown Pony League hosted a Homerun Derby this past May to benefit RMH! Thanks for knocking them out of the park for us! Wit & Wisdom in the Four Seasons Hotel in Harbor East celebrated their 2nd Birthday with a trendy bash benefitting the RMHC! Thanks for sharing your special day with us! Stoneleigh Kids Try-Athlon Canton Cold Stone’s Battle of the Stones Our friends at Canton’s Cold Stone Creamery split their team into 2 groups to battle it out to raise money in support of Healthcare for the Homeless and RMHC. The day was full of ice cream, competitions, and even a dunk tank! Thanks for battling it out for 2 great causes! 10 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore The Stoneleigh Community Association hosted a kids try-athlon! Out of 120 children ages 4-12 participating, everyone finished with only 1 Band-Aid to report! Thank you to the Kids Try-athlon Planning Committee and the Stoneleigh Community Association for your support! Philanthropik Each December PHILANTHROPIK supports the efforts of RMHC, by spreading joy to sick children during the holiday season. This wonderful group of Baltimore philanthropists bring their friends and business partners together to come out to donate a plethora of toys and holiday cheer for the RMHC families! Thank you! Forever a Kid Day of Movement on the Prigel Farm Max Tracks MAX TRACKS and Jen Benson, long-time supporter & friend of RMHC Baltimore, hosted a City Style Run at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis. Special thanks to Jen for always giving the “MAX” when it comes to supporting the RMH families! Kimball Construction Charitable Foundation hosted a day dedicated to movement, healthy bodies and healthy families on the Prigel Family Farm. The day included a bike ride around Glen Arm, games, raffles, a silent auction, prizes, snacks and various demonstrations. Ellen Allen Luncheon The 4th Annual Benefi t luncheon on October 16th raised $15,000 for the RMH! Thank you Ellen and Ellen Allen Annapolis Friends for always supporting the RMH families in STYLE! CFMA Golf Tournament Ridgley Lions Club Strawberry Festival The club hosted the Strawberry Chase 5k Fun Run and walk to benefit the RMHC. Thank you another sweet fundraiser! Thank you to local La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries for hosting 2 store fundraisers this year and raising over $7,900 for RMHC. Thanks for keeping our families cozy! The Maryland Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) hosted a golf tournament at Timbers at Troy Golf Course in memory of their former chapter president, Bruce Tabler, a longtime supporter of RMH. Cockeysville Fall Festival Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders Ravens Cheerleaders teamed up to raise funds for RMHC at Bond Street Social. The event included autographs from cheerleaders, door prizes and a silent auction for autographed Ravens memorabilia. Prostatis Financial Advisors Group – Crabfeast Prostatis Financial Advisors Group hosted a crab feast and wishlist drive for their clients on June 21st. Thank you for a CRABTASTIC event! Tri Star Martial Arts Tri-Star Martial Arts collected donations for the Ronald McDonald House! Donations were presented in honor of Dojocho Debra Thompson at their graduation in May. Thanks for showing your strength for our families! Ronald McHoedown Kiss Events and C&R Pub in Federal Hill hosted a Ronald McHoedown happy hour to benefit RMHC! Cowboys and Cowgirls put on their boots for a night out on the town full of delicious food and drinks, silent auctions, raffles and more! Thanks for raising over $3k and for a boot slappin’ good time! The RMH was proud to be a part of the 6th annual Cockeysville Fall Festival, presented by Gebhart Properties. This is the 3rd year in a row that the Fall Festival has raised funds to support RMHC! What a great day! Grant’s 5k Walk/Run Thank you to Vicki Cappa, students at SSPPHS and Jen Benson for organizing a 5k to support Grant Harrison, as he continues to recover from his injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident in June. The day was a fitting tribute to Grant’s amazing strength, faith and never give up attitude. Thurmont Conservation & Sportsman’s Club For the 4th year in a row, the club gathered cowgirls and cowboys for a McShoot for the Kids! A special thanks to Ozark Bob! It was a rootin’ tootin’ good time! www.rmhcbaltimore.org 11 Here is our Cover Girl GiGi’s story, in the words of her mother Ashley….. In July of 2012 I found out I was pregnant; I couldn’t have been more excited. I was considered high risk due to a prior miscarriage. Everything was going great and when I went in for my routine ultrasound, we found out that we were having a baby girl. But then my world turned upside down. The tech told me to give her a minute, she wanted to get someone else to take a look. They were scanning over my belly and started to whisper. I asked what was going on and they told me they were having a hard time finding her bladder. The next thing I knew, there was a third person in the room. They said don’t worry, it could just not be in the correct place or it could be small. My pregnancy was going well, she was moving and growing, and making me sick 24 hours a day seven days a week. So I went back for another ultrasound and they still couldn’t find her bladder. They gave me a ton of fluids and again started looking for her bladder. Still nothing, so I went home worried to death, because they wanted me to come back in later that afternoon to do the ultrasound again. Still nothing. At that point, the doctor wanted me to go see a specialist in Annapolis. I went 12 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore in for another ultrasound; the specialist found a “shadow” of what he thought was her bladder. He wanted me to come back in a week to repeat the scan. By now I’m worried, but on a happy note we picked out a name Giovanna Marie (Gigi). Gigi’s name means God is gracious. When we went back to the specialist he still didn’t find anything, so he wrote me a referral to go to Children’s hospital in Washington, DC for a fetal MRI and another ultrasound. I could hear people talking outside about my MRI and then a nurse said they finally found her bladder. Now I could get some answers. We met with the pediatric urologist later that day. He told me that Gigi had a rare medical condition known as Bladder Exstrophy (or BE). Bladder exstrophy happens between 6-8 weeks in utero, the abdomen doesn’t fully close and the result is that your bladder is on the outside, and also you have a gap in your hips. It’s more common in boys then in girls. I had so many questions. I was referred to Dr. John Gearhart, a specialist at Johns Hopkins that knew all about BE. A few days later we went up to meet with Dr. Gearhart. His office staff was so friendly and so was he. I felt so comfortable and confident in “our angel on earth” (that’s how Gigi and I refer to Dr. Gearhart). He answered all of my questions and told us what to expect when Gigi was born. Dr. Gearhart talked with us for over two hours and also set up a meeting with other BE families. He gave me his email address, office number and also his home and cell numbers. I knew that we found our man. A few months later, I went to Hopkins to give birth to my pride and joy, my miracle. On April 4, 2013 at 5:35 am weighing in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and 19 inches long, Gigi arrived. In all of my ultrasounds we finally saw why they were having such a hard time finding her bladder. Gigi was in a sterile bag from her armpits down. When she was handed to me, it was love at first sight. I only held her for a few minutes because she had to be taken to the NICU for more tests. Just 24 hours old and I’m signing consent forms for anesthesia and a minor procedure in the OR to see really how big Gigi’s bladder was. Dr. Gearhart came out and said unfortunately her bladder was too small at this time to close. Gigi’s bladder was 2 cm by 2 cm. It had to be 4 cm by 4 cm in order to close. So two days later we went home. At first things weren’t easy. We went through diapers and outfits like crazy because Gigi urinated out of her bladder instead of down below, so diapers had to be on just right. We were always in the pediatrician’s office due to severe diaper rashes from being constantly wet. At 4 months old Gigi again went into the OR to see if her bladder had grown, but, it was only a half cm bigger than when she was born. Gigi did this procedure again at 8 months old and still no luck, no bigger. Dr. Gearhart said he wanted to remove it. So on Gigi’s first birthday, she had a ten hour surgery to remove her bladder and reconstruct her hips and vagina. Gigi’s surgery went great and we could finally go back and see her in the PICU. Gigi has a stoma since she doesn’t have a bladder. Gigi also had hip surgery because BE kids hips are not closed like ours. She had six pins (three in each hip) so that they could hold her hips together. We were in the PICU for a week and in the hospital for a total of 8 weeks. They had her on heavy drugs to keep her as still as possible. Gigi got out of traction on May 15th, which was the best day of my life because I got to hold my angel again. We went back to RMH of Baltimore while we weaned Gigi off of her meds and waited for doctors' appointments. We made so many good friends at RMH that we will never forget. The staff was amazing and made us feel like a part of the family. The countless volunteers were also amazing as well as providing us with wonderful hot meals and things for the kids to do. RMH will always be held close to our hearts and we will be forever grateful for what they have done for our family. If it wasn’t for RMH then we would not have been able to stay in Baltimore with Gigi. Gigi will have at least two more surgeries and we are hoping to stay at RMH again. Gigi is now 18 months old and her prognosis looks wonderful. We couldn’t have made it without all of our family, the wonderful doctors and nurses, the wonderful families we met at RMH and without all the love and support of the RMH Staff and Volunteers. www.rmhcbaltimore.org 13 GiGi & Bristol The Ronald McDonald House is so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s called The House that Love Built for a reason. Love is what holds it all together and love between the children and the families who stay here is what sustains them. Parents and children who may feel isolated and lonely, find refuge and inclusion at RMH. And many times they find a new BFF... like the story of Brittany & Ashley & GiGi & Bristol. Brittany Reed from Waynesville, Ohio and Ashley Johnson, of Prince Frederick, Maryland might not ever have met if not for G iG i and B ris tol visit in g e ach oth hospit al aft er at the er surgery on the s am e d ay. My daughter Bristol has BE, and we were in Baltimore for exploratory surgery staying at the Ronald McDonald House. That night at diner, I was talking to a fellow mother and we were playing trivia together as part of Activity Hour. When I went back to my room, I went on Facebook and to the Blader Exstrophy Parent Support page. I saw a post that said “Setling into the RMH in Baltimore for the night.” I couldn’t believe it… I had never met anyone else with a BE child and see that there is someone right here at RMH at the same time. I messaged her and asked if she would like to meet in the playroom. When I came down to the playroom, it was Ashley, the Mom I had just spent diner and activity hour with!! It was incredible to meet another family who was going through the same thing as us. We both cried and talked for hours and are now best of friends. Our girls are inseparable when they see each other 14 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore RMH. But now, these two young mothers are the best of friends. Here at RMH, we call this a McMiracle... listen to Brittany tell the story and we’re sure you’ll agree that their friendship was destiny. and we refer to each other as Aunt Ashley and Aunt Britany. They had surgery on the same day and we visited with each other and let them recover together. Both girls need another major surgery in 5 years, and we are already planing to schedule them at the same time so we can continue on this journey together. Baltimore’s best young p r o fe s JOIN US! sional s gr w! e r C oup, the Red Shoe Since launching in late Spring of 2012, our team of dynamic, motivated and fun individuals has galvanized into a Force of Good for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, Inc. Get involved with the House, help host fundraisers and attend social events while networking with other young professionals in Baltimore. www.redshoecrew.org “Every day, I think of the people I’ve met—the stories I’ve heard—and I can’t imagine my life without the Crew and the House. Even on my most stressful days, a visit to the House turns it all around. It truly is the House That Love Built, not just for the families who stay there, but for everyone who is lucky enough to be involved in any small way. The House is my happy place; the Crew and the RMH staff is my family; and the families are my drive.” - Lindsay Eney, VP of the Red Shoe Crew Follow us on Social Media! From snowstorms, to good news bells, lots of exciting things happened at RMHC Baltimore this year! Check out our top 3 most liked photos on Facebook! 1 2 3 Gigi had the best time ringing the “Good News Bell” when she found out that she got to go home! Hannah showed us how big her “brave” was posing next to a machine in her hospital room with a great big smile! Jesse from Nigeria got to see snow for the first time while in Baltimore, he just loved it! Don’t ever miss a moment, follow us on social media! facebook.com/RMHCBaltimore @RMHCBaltimore @RMHCBaltimore www.rmhcbaltimore.org 15 Did You Know? McDonald’s is one of our largest corporate partners. Portions of our annual operating costs for RMHC Baltimore are graciously funded by McDonald’s and its owners/ operators that serve the Eastern Shore, portions of Delaware and the Greater Baltimore areas. The remainder of our annual operating income is generated by the generosity of individual and corporate donors, foundations, and the support of the entire community. Our McDonald’s Family has been a committed partner since the House opened its doors on June 28, 1982 Many of our McDonald’s Family engage with the RMHC families throughout the year by volunteering at the House and participating in and supporting events to benefit the House There are 510 RMHC Donation Boxes located in McDonald’s restaurants throughout Maryland, available for customers to donate spare change to help local RMHC families A portion of the sale of every McDonald’s Happy Meal is donated to our House Our McDonald’s family host in-store fundraisers such as the Give-A-Hand promotion in May, and other events of their own choosing, donating proceeds to our local House Our McDonald’s Family goes above and beyond in many ways to help the families and children at Maryland’s one and only RMHC, and their involvement extends beyond monetary support. Last year, McDonald’s customers gave over $300,000 locally in donation boxes to support RMHC families. RMHC Donation Boxes Your small change can make a BIG IMPACT in the lives of Families… An even easier way for you to help support RMHC is to drop your spare change in RMHC Donation Boxes at participating McDonald’s restaurants. Little by little, we can do a lot. Your spare change, every nickel, dime and dollar add up to BIG CHANGE for RMHC. Please spread the word, tell your friends and keep giving your change. Community Grants Program RMHC Baltimore is able to facilitate grant awards to nonprofit organizations serving the needs of children in our community through the generosity of the McDonald’s Owner Operators that serve the Eastern Shore, portions of Delaware and the Greater Baltimore areas. For more information on the Grants Program, please go to our website www.rmhcbaltimore.org and click on the Grants Tab. OUR McDONALD’S PARTNERSHIP SAVE THE DATE: MAY 1 - 10, 2015 Visit your local McDonald’s to purchase a “Hand” for $1, $3, $5 When you buy a hand at McDonald’s during the “Give-a-Hand” fundraiser, your donation directly supports RMHC and helps keep children & families together. Last year, McDonald’s and its customers rallied and raised over $90,000 in restaurants that serve the Eastern Shore, portions of Delaware and the Greater Baltimore areas. A BIG THANK YOU to McDonald’s, Owners/Operators, Crew and CUSTOMERS... that’s something to smile about! Help us fill every wall & window in all McDonald’s restaurants from May 1 - 10. For the second summer in a row, RMHC Baltimore hosted Happy Camper Days, designed to engage the RMH children and their siblings in fun activities, away from their medical treatment, and a chance to just be kids! A huge thank you to our Company Campers who took part in our second year: Azrael, Franz, Schwab and Lipowitz • Nexion Health NFM, Inc. • Ober Kaler • The Brick Companies The Poole and Kent Corporation • Walk Like a Dog Ward Boland Associates Our Hearts Remember… Phillip Weigner 24 years old Jacob Barnhill 17 years old Clayton Jayden Palmer, 1 day Mathew Faiella 18 years old Tribute & Memorial Gifts Celebrate, Honor, Remember those people who make a difference and the occasions that matter Recognize your family, special friends, coworkers; a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, bar/bat mitzvah, retirement, or “a just because.” A donation to the House is also a lovely memorial to someone who has passed away. When making a memorial or tribute gift, please include the address of the honoree or family member you would like notified of your gift. Gift donations are 100% tax deductible. Members of the Mann family held a wish list drive at their birthday party, where friends and family brought supplies for RMH. The kids brought their grandparents from New Hampshire to visit the Ronald McDonald House and delivered all of the wonderful goodies! Each year families come to us in search of hope and healing for their sick child. For most, miracles are found at our world class Baltimore hospitals. For some, the journey ends here. We remember them all and they remain a part of our history and our hearts forever. “Madison recently turned 9 and instead of gifts, she asked that her friends donate a gift card in memory of her baby sister, London, to help other families at your House. We are forever thankful to all of you. You opened your doors to us and made my mom, Brooklyn and Madison feel so at home while I was away at the hospital focused on London. Thank you for all that you do!” – Kimberly, RMH Mom Donations can be made online at www.rmhcbaltimore.org For more information, contact Debbie Hood at [email protected]. For the 4th year in a row, Nate and Charlotte celebrated their birthday with RMHC. They collected gift cards, toys and donations for the RMH families! We love sharing in this tradition with you! 18 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore Grace celebrated her 7th birthday this year, and for the 2nd year in a row, she kept RMH in mind! She donated all of her presents to the RMH families (and it was her idea!) When she came down to visit, she even got to take part in our Mother’s Day celebration, making crafts and candles for her mom! BP Castrol created the “Myra Watson Memorial Fund.” Myra was employed with BP for more than 30 years; was a special lady and loved everything about the Ronald McDonald House. Myra loved when the company held its annual event at the Ronald McDonald House. It included a motorcycle ride to the House, a big dinner for the families followed by an activity where the kids could sit on and pretend to drive the awesome motorcycles. 12 WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE IN 2015 JOIN OUR RED SHOE CREW to mix and mingle with other young professionals, plan our Red Shoe Shuffle 5k to raise awareness and money to help our families, and serve our families through meals and activity hours. www.redshoecrew.org DONATE YOUR CHANGE to a McDonald’s canister in your local store. RMHC Donation Boxes are hosted in restaurants and enable McDonald’s customers to support the House by donating change in the canisters. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/ partners/mcdonalds-partnership USE AMAZONSMILE TO BUY SOMETHING from Amazon and choose RMHC Baltimore as your program designation. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Visit www.smile.amazon.com for more details. COLLECT PULL TABS to help fill up our gas tank for our shuttle to take families to and from the local hospitals. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/donate/collectpull-tabs HELP FULFILL THE HOUSE WISH LIST so that our House is stocked with the basic necessities a home requires such as cleaning products, trash bags, single-serve snacks and other items that you can find on our wish list at www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/ wish-list PARTICIPATE IN THE RED SHOE SHUFFLE 5K with friends, family, and colleagues to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore! Join us on April 12, 2015 for our next Shuffl e! Registration is open Now! www.redshoeshuffle.org TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES by volunteering, donating, providing in-kind gifts, or in any way supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you.” ORGANIZE AN OUTSIDE FUNDRAISER because you know that whether it’s a lemonade stand, a company jeans day, a happy hour or a golf outing, the proceeds will help make sure children won’t have to go through their illness alone. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/ events/host-an-event DONATE STOCK OR REMEMBER RMHC IN YOUR WILL With just a little planning and a big heart, you can give hope and comfort to sick children and their families. You can support future generations of Ronald McDonald House families by making a planned gift today. A charitable gift can offer benefits for you and help future generations of Ronald McDonald House families. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/donate/ planned-giving PARTICIPATE IN OUR ADOPT-A-NIGHT PROGRAM to help subsidize a family’s stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. Our goal is to have every family sponsored, every night of every year. Your generosity will help parents sleep a bit easier. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/donate/adopta-night VOLUNTEER AT OUR FRONT DESK once a week to help critically ill children and their families relieve many of life’s stresses so they can focus on their medical care. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/volunteer/ individual-volunteer-opportunities PROVIDE A WARM MEAL TO FAMILIES so they can be free from the stress and expense of purchasing and preparing food and can focus more of their time and energy on their children’s medical care. Gather friends, family, community group members, or bring your co-workers in the spirit of team building. www.rmhcbaltimore.org/how-to-help/volunteer/mealsactivities www.rmhcbaltimore.org 19 Our fr iends a t I KE A makeov gave o er t his ur play s u m me r oom a ne w t o r ! Wit h n y ches e t w s , a s t orage our H ou n e w ac units, t ivit y a se is or ganized re a a n shout-o d m o re and in ut t o I , st yle! A sa a c f special or mak ing it a ll happ e n! ne ds at Th irt y-O wo nderful frien r ou to u yo k ns Than fabulous do natio have we go tt en o als Gift s! No t only t bu , at ion from th e or ganiz re su fo r ou r familie s g in ak an ks fo r m co nsult ants! Th al du ivi ind . om fr d in st yle ay or ganiz ed, an ou r familie s st Our backyard was revamped this summer by our friends at BB&T! They painted our back wall, planted beautiful flowers, power washed, set up some new furniture, and gave us some new toys! Thanks for helpin g makin g our backyard a sanctuar y for our families! A Year In The Life e ey Sm it h, W id un da tio n, To rr fo s hi ith w a A lo ng Rave ns , ho sted th e Ba lti m ore gi vi ng Re ce iver from es! A Th an ks fo r ou r fa m ili rrey To “Tur key Bow l” …Y U M MY! l of th e fixin gs al ith w g er nn di to an up co m in of f fo r tic ke ts e nc da a ld ith w al so he lin g ou r H ou se Th an ks fo r fil od ! fo Rave ns ga m e. us io de lic r tu m m ie s w ith sm ile s, an d ou Firefighters of the BCFD collected lots of toys for RMHC and delivered them during the holiday season to put smiles on the faces of our families! Not only did BCFD shower our families with gifts, but the children also got to sit in the fire truck, blow the horn, and squirt the hose! Thanks for showing our families the true meaning of a hero! ita fo r mak in g e st af f at Dav Than k yo u to th fo r ou r familie s! uf fe d animals th ese cu ddly st Thank you to all of our friends who have collected tabs this year! A special shout out to Kara, who started the Kara Cares Foundation in order to raise awareness and help collect tabs for RMH! g r “ S p icin r m ic k fo o C c M e S p ic o u to Thank y th is n ew e n ” w ith h c it K , Chuck r ir up Ou a rd C h a o B r u o f m honor o m e n t fro R a c k in h is re ti re d n a e , d d a ls o m a L angme loye e s a p m E ed . k ic a n d ra is M c C o rm f Chuck o lf a h e ns on b R MH! d o n a ti o ,0 0 0 fo r ove r $ 10 Second grad er, Joseph San Fillipo has been working hard to collect tabs, and raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in honor of his cousin Kayla, who stayed at the House this year. Joseph collected over $350 for RMH! Thank you for your compassion and love, Joseph! lad ies at e fabulou s th to g ou y k T h an s for comin ls Cosme tic a er d in n a M t Swee events for special to ou r H ou se amas mak eovers! giving ou r m Sen din g a big tha nk you to the Red Sho e Crew and Boo gs BBQ for hos ting the 2nd Ann ual Red Sho e Q this Sep tem ber ! Ou r fam ilies wer e spo iled with delicio us BBQ , yum my des ser ts and fun gam es and cra fts! Th an k yo u to th e Pa te ra ki s Fa m ily fo r ho stin g th ei r an nu al di nn er in ho no r of th ei r be love d w ife , m othe r an d sis te r, De bo ra h Pa te ra kis. An d to th e M irm ira ns fo r th ei r ge ne ro us gi fts to ou r fa m ili es . W e lo ok fo rw ard to th is ex trava ga nt m ea l ever y ye ar ! Thank you to the ladies of the MD Farm Bureau for coming down to the House and bringing lots of wish-list donations, tabs, and handmade blankets and pillows! Giddy-u p! Tha nk you to the S N or th ykesvil rop G le ru m m a n Em craftin p lo g thes ye e s f e wa r or Hope m Bla for ou nkets r fa m o f o ne o f ilies! T hey a r a kind e a ll a nd s o cozy ! Tha nk yo u to Chesa Thera peut peake ic Riding fo r hosting fa milies th our is su mmer to learn to horses! W ride hat a trea t to be ab le to have this opportunit y! Thank you to our friends at Giant for catering our Annual Holiday Open House. Families and friends of RMH were nourished with a delicious holiday meal with all of the fixings! We even got to try “turducken!” Police officers from across MD gathered at the ABC2 News studio for the 15th annual It's Kindertime Toy Drive to benefit Baltimore children in need. They stopped by and dropped off lots of toys for our families! A big thank you to Pete O’Neal for coordinating this event! Photo credit: Nick DiMarco/ABC2 News Flo yd’s Barbe rsh op bro u ght the ir “Barb erbus” to ou r Ho us ove r the summer e and gave out 20 fre e haircuts to ou r familie s! Than ks for makin g for a “Hairy ” gre at eve nin g! BECOME A Caring Partner Caring Partners secure the sustainable revenue to keep the doors open. Ronald McDonald House Charities is an independent 501(c)(3) organization responsible for raising its $1.8 annual operating budget, in addition to funding capital improvements for the current facility and expansion for future growth. All Caring Partners are acknowledged with an individual name plate on our Caring Partners Wall. This prominent wall highlights the support of all our partners (individuals, groups, corporations and foundations) who ensure that our House and our hearts remain open for families who need help. Please consider joining our Caring Partners Community of supporters. Our Caring Partners Comunity continues to grow each year… hank you! For more information on the Caring Partners program, please contact Debbie Hood, Vice President, Development, at 410.528.1010 x105 or [email protected]. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation continues to be a lead Caring Partner in a momentous demonstration of support for our mission. We are grateful for the tremendous impact the Foundation gift makes every year. This year, I had the great honor of traveling to Israel as part of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Israel Scholars Delegation. While there, I spent a day in Holon, at the Save a Heart Children’s Home — a place much like RMH, serving critically ill children from the African countries of Congo, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Even though I was six thousand miles from Baltimore, I felt Home. Despite their incredible medical challenges, language differences and distance from their own countries, the children were happy…smiling, laughing, playing, and even wanting to take selfies with me. The volunteers showered them with compassion and kindness. It was a powerful reminder that children are all the same regardless of where we are in the world, and that our global cultures may be different but the love of family and support of community transcend all boundaries. 22 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore — Sandy Pagnotti, President and CEO, RMHC Baltimore c D o n a l d H o u se C h a r i t i e s o f B a l t i m o r e Ronald M a rt n e r s S o c i e t y P g n i r a C The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation McDonald’s • Northeast Foods The Kenneth S. Battye Charitable Trust The Jerry and Brenda Rush Family Foundation • Under Armour, Inc. Tina & Tom Baxter • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield • The Carey Family Foundation • Cheryl & Marty Domres Barbara & Bob Houck • Jen's Gems • Kris Nelson in memory of Kip Kenyon • Mary & Chuck Langmead Diane & David Miller in honor of Lindsey Joelle Miller • Mr. & Mrs. Fred Mirmiran • Kira, Jonathon, Adam & Bill Paterakis Fran & Sergio Acle American Yeast Sales AMF Bakery Systems Amoroso's Baking Co. Armada Hoffler Construction Armada Supply Chain Solutions Ardent Mills Atlas Container Atradius Trade Credit Insurance, Inc. Marco Avila/Golfers for Charity Bakers Express of MD Deb & Bob Baldauf Yarb Ballard The Baltimore Coffee & Tea Co. Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders The Baltimore Sun Bank of America Kassie, John & Jack Barnes Bartlett Milling Bay State Milling Co. Bayer Construction Co., Inc. Shawn & Tiffany Beach Mary & Jim Beal Beatty-Harvey-Coco Architects Norman Beck Belcan Corporation Jen Benson, Founder/Coach Jen’s Gems Connie & Orville Benning Harriet, Jimmy, Jennifer, Aaron & Ryan Berg Jennifer & Richard Berman Family Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Berndt BGE Beth Bounds and Family The Bozzuto Group BP Lubricants USA in honor of Myra Watson Brandywine Ingredient Technology Ken & Kim Brems The Brodinsky Family Olivia, Jim, Kelli & Jeremy Brookshire Alisa & Tony Brown in memory of Autum Samantha Brown Brenda & Mitch Brown Brown Advisory David Buffington Bundy Baking Solutions Burford Corp. Anne Marie & Robert Byrnes Stefanie & John Cain Kerry Campbell Joseph Carlozo The Carswell Family Caves Valley Partners Cheri Cernak Cindy & Michael Charvat and Family Whitney and Stan Cochran The Coca-Cola Company Cockeysville Fall Festival Continental Realty Corporation The Cordish Family Foundation Joann Copertino Corbion/Caravan Jodi & Joseph Cox IV Jeffrey N. Crampton Cumberland Dairy D. Thomas & Associates Davis Elen Advertising Dean Foods Melissa Delaney Elisa Delia Mary Deyesu The Julius and Blanche Diener Foundation, Inc. The Dioguardo Family Direct Energy Business DLA Piper The Dowdle Family Dr. Pepper Amy & Larry Duke DuPont Nutrition & Health ECBM, Inc. ECHO of Northrop Grumman Paula & Joe Ehrmann Ellen Allen Annapolis Emjay Engineering and Contruction Co., Inc. Engineered Cold Systems Kristy Eriksson & Brett Morrison EurAupair International Evolve Consulting Group, Inc. Fabrite, Inc. Fallston Recreation Council The Ferguson Family Mr. and Mrs. James Francis Franklin & Prokopik Ryan Freeman in memory of Brianna Freeman Friedenwald Memorial Fund Rhonda S. Friedman Kim & Mark Furr GAIN Clean Fuel Gallagher, Evelius & Jones LLP Jennifer Gates Gloria Galperin in memory of Dr. Irving O. Galperin & Betsy Vnuk Diamond Schleider Ray Glasgow Gemini KB Systems The Gimelstob Family The Gister Family Glen Arm Building Co. Golden Eagle Extrusions, Inc. The Gorbitz Family Great Council of MD Improved Order of Red Men Great Dane Trailers Grocery Haulers, Inc. Gross Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A. GSM Roofing Barbara Green John Guerriero Halethorpe-Relay United Methodist Church Gregory & Ina Handlir Harbor Bank of Maryland Harbor East Management Group Bobette and Jerrold Harris The Henggeler-Moriarty Family Foundation, Inc. Margie & Larry Hentz The Hershey Company The High Rock Foundation Hinish Orchard Hirsch Electric Debbie & Tom Hood Hood & Hodges, P.A. Susan & Carl Hossfeld Robin Ann Hutchason in memory of Ida Wire I.B.E.W. Local Union 104 in memory of Matthew Faiella Industrial Processing Systems, Inc. Insurance Management Consultants Isuzu Commercial Truck of America J. Brown Jewelers J&K Ingredients J.R. Mechanical Services J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc. Jarvis Steel & Lumber Company Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnson Lucille Karr Ruth Anne Kelly Family of William Thomas Kelly Keystone Foods A M King Construction Glenn K. Kikuchi 442nd RCT, Inc. The Kingstree Group Abimbola & Matanmi Kuforiji The Larkin Family La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Legg Mason Meghan & A.J. Leimenstoll Leonard J. Miller & Associates Beverly Leska Kathy Waters & Kurt Lewis in Memory of Taylor Caldwell Horton Mary & Jeff Lingenfelter The Lingenfelter Team The Long Company Joan & Robert Lozinak Debbi Madan Mallet & Company Manekin, LLC Subcontractor's Charity Fund Manildra Milling Corporation Jen, Chris, Davis & Tenley Mann Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Marinella Mariner Distribution Mars Supermarkets Hugh Martin and Family Maryland Lottery AB Mauri Maxon Lift Corporation Joyce McArtor in memory of Richard McArtor McCain Foods McCormick & Co., Inc. Jim and Nancy McDonald Constance & Mitchell McPherson Merrill Lynch/Erik Moran Mid South Baking Miles & Stockbridge Donna, Kyle, Cory & Ryan Miller Miller Milling Company Monoflo International Anthony Montcalmo Ann, Karrie, Katie & Mike Moore Morgan Corporation Morgan Stanley Foundation Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Kathy & Gary Muller in memory of Liam Kelley My Cleaning Service New Horizons Baking Company NFM, Inc. The Nocar Family Anita Korpisz Nucci Tim O'Donald Steve Owen P.K.B. Contractors, Inc. The PNC Financial Services Group Sandy Pagnotti Penske Truck Leasing Keith Persinger Petrochem Dee & Jay Plotkin The Poggi Family The Poole & Kent Corporation Linda Pratt Prostatis Financial Advisors Group Puratos Corporation Queen United Methodist Church Brenda & David Rardin RBC Wealth Management ReConserve of Maryland Red Shoe Crew Red Star Yeast Charlaine & Steven Reese Ruth Reid Reiser Residential Title & Escrow Ridgley Lions Club Rising Sun McDonald's Monday Bingo Gang Beth & Peter Rosenwald Rowe Electric Dolores Ryan Ryder Transportation Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church Saints Peter and Paul High School Saul Ewing LLP SC&H Charitable Foundation Dorothy & Darryl Schenk Schmidt Baking Co. Schoenfeld Insurance Ms. Christina D. Sfakianos Mrs. Barbara Shapiro Kathy L. Shapiro Foundation, Inc. Shick USA Six Flags America Stacy, Stevan, Jared & Zachary Simons Sinclair Broadcast Group Single Source Integrated Services Gina, Rick, Meredith & Braeden Smith Vanessa & Fred Smith and Family Mr. William Smith Mr. & Mrs. Adam E. Snavely St. John Properties Joe Stamerro/AIAC Stewart Systems Sandra Stoll Stoneleigh Community Association Suntrust Sweeney Family Sylvan Learning Center Syntax Akhtar Taheri in memory of Dr. Taheri Franklin Tait in memory of Andrea Mary Tait Taylor Farms Thurmont Conservation & Sportsman Club Tony Tank Tribe #149 Red Men Lodge Charity Fund Tristar Martial Arts Academy, Inc. Gabriel Trotta Thomas G. Tzomides Family Dental Mr. & Mrs. Udicious The Ullrich Family UPS Foundation Wal-Mart Walgreens Baltimore District 276 Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Americas Ward-Boland Associates W.F. Wilson & Sons Christine Whaley Andrew Whelan Alan Wilson Nancy & George Zolman The Zukowski Family Foundation Each of the primary hospitals we serve has also joined us as a Caring Partner. As a direct recipient of our resources, the hospitals acknowledge the circle we share and our need for their sustainable support. They set a precedent in our community for the value of collaborative care. Together we support the health and well-being of thousands of children. S u s ta i n i n g To d ay ro S ec u r i n g T o m o r w Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, Inc. 635 West Lexington Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Annual Appeal The last thing we want our families to worry about during the holiday season is whether they can afford to stay together. Donations to our Gifts of Love Annual Appeal will directly support families who are overwhelmed with unexpected medical bills, have low income, or recently lost or left employment in order to spend time with their seriously ill child. Your contribution can be made through the envelope provided with this newsletter, through our website at www.rmhcbaltimore.org/donate, or via your smartphone with our new mobile donation platform. Your donation to our Gifts of Love Appeal will help give our families the best gift of all… the Gift of Togetherness