The History of the House that Love Built
At Ronald McDonald House Charities Charlottesville, we owe our continued success to the tireless work of volunteers and the countless contributions from our donors. Because of you, we’ve been helping improve the lives of children and their families for over 36 years. Learn more about our history. Here are some of the historic milestones that you have made possible.
1981
The Hearthstone House, precursor to RMHC Charlottesville, opens its doors to families with ill or injured children in Charlottesville, Virginia.
1988
The Hearthstone House officially becomes a Ronald McDonald House Charity.
1992
RMHC creates a new program for the families of critically ill children with the first Ronald McDonald Family Room, opening at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, KS.
2002
Worth magazine names RMHC one of “America’s 100 Best Charities of 2002”. It’s the second consecutive year RMHC receives this honor.
2013
RMHC Charlottesville begins a major renovation project to rejuvenate the facility and elevate the level of care provided for guest families.
March 2014
Renovation is completed in March at RMHC Charlottesville. The House now has 19 bedrooms, private bathrooms, and modernized kitchen and laundry facilities.
November 1974
Shamrock Shakes! McDonald’s owner/operators in Philadelphia made the House possible, donating proceeds from the sale of Shamrock Shakes.
1987
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Ronald McDonald House establishes the Pop Tab Collection Recycling Program. Since then, participating Houses have raised millions.
1991
Ronald McDonald House Charities Charlottesville opens a new House within walking distance to UVA Medical Center: 300 9th St. SW.
2000
RMHC launches the first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Worcester, MA, offering cost-effective medical, dental and health education services to vulnerable children.
2010
RMHC celebrates the 300th Ronald McDonald House opening in St. Louis on September 29. The 300th House provides 20 bedrooms and is 18,188 square feet.
2014
RMHC celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House.
2018
Worldwide, RMHC has 350 houses in 62 countries. RMHC Charlottesville continues to look for ways to grow and serve the families of ill and injured children in Charlottesville.
October 15, 1974
The first Ronald McDonald House opens in Philadelphia thanks to Dr. Audrey Evans, Philadelphia Eagles’ player Fred Hill, Jim Murray, the Eagles general manager and Ed Rensi.