Philanthropy Spotlight: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona
On February 14, 1981, the Tucson Ronald McDonald House became the 21st House to open in this country. In response to the growing need here in southern Arizona, the House was built to support the countless numbers of children undergoing treatment at Tucson area medical facilities.
When the House first opened its doors to families in need of a “home away from home,” there were a total of five bedrooms and two shared bathrooms. The kitchen held a single refrigerator and one washer and dryer that somehow supported an average of 55 guests per month. Over the next 15 years, renovations increased the House’s capacity to 16 rooms. The addition of a duplex that was adjacent to Banner-University Medical Center accommodated an additional two rooms for families who required long-term stays.
In 2004, RMHC began a $4.5 million capital campaign to build a new, larger Ronald McDonald House in Tucson. In December of 2007, the current location opened, which can now provide for up to 28 families. The 24,000-square-foot House serves nearly 600 families each year. Families stay anywhere from one night for a check-up or outpatient procedures, to six to nine months for organ and bone marrow transplants.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center serves families who live in Tucson and have a child being treated at BCDCMC. Located on the fourth floor, the Family Room serves as a respite for families and offers them the opportunity to relax, have a snack, check their email and be greeted by someone with a smile. Our local Ronald McDonald House operates with a eight full-time and nine part-time employees , assisted by more than 100 regular volunteers.
Get Involved!
Discover the various ways you can support Ronald McDonald House Charities here!
This post is a part of our 2019 social media series, “Philanthropy Spotlight”. There are so many deserving charities in Tucson. Make sure to check out our news feed every Tuesday to read about other local non-profits. We hope you take the time to read about these wonderful organizations and how you can get involved in our community.
Do you have a non-profit you’d like to see highlighted on our website & social media pages? Email requests to elliana@thetempconnection.com or comment below!
