Oct 15, 2009 10:42 am US/Eastern
Ronald McDonald House Turns 35
PHILADELPHIA
It started in 1974 with a simple idea – children need their parents close by when they are battling serious illness. From this premise, the first Ronald McDonald House was born on October 15, 1974 (Today there are more than 288 houses worldwide). To mark this historic occasion, a celebration was held today, October 15, 2009, from 6 - 10 a.m. to honor the impact the House has had on families.
The Ronald McDonald House co-founders including former Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill, former Eagles General Manager Jimmy Murray, pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, families and staff who were there at the beginning (as well as children currently staying at the house) gathered to bake a giant cake in thirty-five pieces in the shape of the first House (the Swain Mansion). After singing "Happy Birthday" and the candles were blown out, the cake was taken to Philadelphia regional hospitals and shared with children in treatment.
The House also unveiled an art display created by the children who have stayed at the House. Children were asked to share happy moments of their time spent in this "home away from home." The artwork can be viewed until the end of the month and proceeds from sale of the artwork will benefit the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Chapter.
Since opening its doors in 1974, the Philadelphia House has served 30,000 families helping provide comfort and care during a tragic time in their lives. More than 2,200 meals have been served by countless volunteers and over 41,000 trips have been made to and from area hospitals in donated vans so children can have access to the hospitals and treatments they need to heal. In honor of those milestones and the thousands of companies who have cooked during the Guest Chef program, representatives from our global partners will be on hand to prepare dinner.
The Story Behind the First House:
Throughout her career, world-renowned oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans watched families spend every waking moment at their child's bedside in the hospital. And in the early 1970's the Philadelphia Eagles were helping to raise funds to help a little girl named Kim Hill who had just been diagnosed with leukemia. Kim was the daughter of Eagles player Fred Hill and his wife Fran and the couple was sleeping in chairs in their daughter's hospital room to be close to her while she was receiving treatment.
Through the Eagles' fundraising, the team's General Manager Jimmy Murray got to know Dr. Evans. She shared her vision to provide a "home away from home" for families of children being treated at nearby hospitals. At the time, McDonald's® Regional Manager Ed Rensi agreed to support a fundraiser to raise money for what would become known as the Ronald McDonald House. McDonald's restaurants gave a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the famous McDonald's Shamrock Shake.
This one House has grown into a worldwide network of support for children and families through Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and today there are 288 Ronald McDonald Houses; 144 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms; and 38 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles across 52 countries and regions.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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