Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville

Read about Jordan Stevens

Ralston Rita — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:56:02 +0000

Here is a great story about a true “House Hero”, Jordan Stevens. We have never met young Jordan, but we are looking forward to doing so one day. Once you read this article, you will understand why.

http://blogs.roanoke.com/theburgs/features/2013/05/04/student-aims-to-honor-the-life-of-brooklyn-graves/

The Real Horse Race

Ralston Rita — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:16:19 +0000

This is such a great weekend. Spring is here, and it is time for the Kentucky Derby – The Race for the Roses, the Race of All Races. Right? We’ll, as much as we love the Derby we have to admit that we have the joy of watching some “long shots” beat the odds every day. Each and every day little people at UVA Children’s Hospital - supported by their families – run not only the race of their life, but also the race FOR their life. These children and their families are pretty special champions to us!

The Hand of Kindness

Ralston Rita — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:22:40 +0000

We love to open the mail. We love to answer the door. We love to hear the kitchen coming to life with giggling volunteer chefs. We are always humbled by the gifts folks mail or bring to us. Monetary donations, wish list items, wonderful meals and snacks, pop tabs – these are all of the things that sustain us. It is only through the on-going generosity of our supporters that we are able to serve the families that need us. The “hand” of kindness that you show to us is passed directly to the children and families who arrive on our doorstep. Thank you so much for all that you do for us.

2013 Pop Tab Art Show & Silent Auction a Success!

Ralston Rita — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:30:12 +0000

This year’s Art Show & Silent Auction was a great success. The entries were amazing and the winners were thrilled with their gift certificates to Crutchfield’s. Contributions toward the Silent Auction were generous and varied - from a limited edition Romero Britto poster, to handmade jewelry, an original quilt, to ice cream, to pet grooming. There was something for everyone. Many thanks to those who entered the contest and to all those who attended. We are already looking forward to the 2014 event!

ATTITUDE!

Ralston Rita — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:56:52 +0000

Sometimes you just have to greet life with this attitude – right? Bring it on! We think we’ve seen this face on about 50% of our parents today. Go get ‘em, Moms and Dads. You are your children’s first and best coaches, their first and best advocates. We’re happy to provide the dugout!

She’s Lookin’ Good!

Ralston Rita — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:34:26 +0000

We had an unexpected and delightful visit today from Little Miss Carly and her wonderful Mom. If you’ve been following us for a while you might remember that Carly had a heart transplant in 2011, and she and her folks were with us for 6 months during that amazing process. She is such a sweetie. It is always a thrill to see these little ones grow and thrive after such a difficult life challenge. She is in good hands, though, with a very dedicated Mother and Dad. Thank you for stopping by today, Mom and Carly. You put a huge smile on all of our faces!

The “Pi’s” Have It!

Ralston Rita — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:26:00 +0000

We know we’ve been posting a lot lately on the ADPi’s – it’s that time of year when the college students are trying to squeeze in as many events as they can before exams. But the Pi’s are a special lot. We remember quite fondly the first weekend for a new Weekend Manager (WM) at the House. Friday evening had been a trying experience, and Sat. morning was even worse. Sr. Management came in to assist. Once things were on an even keel again we turned to the WM and said: “Now remember, the ADPi’s come in this afternoon.” The WM excitedly responded: ” 80 pies! What in the heck are we going to do with 80 pies?!!!” Well, we didn’t know about “80 pies”, but we knew that the ADPi’s would be a wonderful assist for his afternoon. This came to mind as we observed the 2013 Ace It to To Raise It Tennis Tournament on Sat. The ladies did a simply fabulous job pulling it all together. There were over 100 teams in motion, the weather was spectacular, and the food was abundant. Thank you, UVA ADPi’s for creating this very special fundraiser for the House. It helps to provide the critical funds we need to serve children and families. That’s worth writing about – frequently!

Silent Auction Opportunity

Ralston Rita — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:48:52 +0000

Look at these fabulous running sandals by Bedrock Sandals. Aren’t they cool? These are just one of the items donated for the Silent Auction portion of our Pop Art Contest and Show on April 27th. Please join us for this; it is open to all. We will have a showing from 4 to 6 pm on the 27th at City Space on the Downtown Mall. See everyone’s creations, enjoy some light refreshments, and bid to your heart’s content on the auction items. It will be great fun, and a very special time to appreciate the pop tab creativity of the entrants. We look forward to seeing you there!

Artistry at Work!

Ralston Rita — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:50:10 +0000

We love creativity! We have several wonderful JMU ADPi’s with us today to do some artwork for our upcoming Pop Art Contest at the end of the month. They have a “vision” and set right to work. We hope you will consider adding your own creation to the event. It can utilize any type of media – cloth, canvas, wood, cardboard, wire, whatever! It just needs a majority of its composition to be pop tabs. You can find the rules and an entry form on our website (www.rmhcharlottesville.org) under News and Events. Check it out. The Award Show and Ceremony on April 27th, which is open to all, will be great fun!

Our Wish for You

Ralston Rita — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:36:48 +0000

Looking from our offices toward the hospital the graceful tree in the foreground tells the story – it is Spring! It is such a wonderful time of renewal and hope. It is this same spirit of hope and looking forward gaze that travels the halls of the House. We thank you for your support of the long winter months behind us and we wish all of you the same sense of renewal and hope that imbues us.