Ronald McDonald Houses provide a "Home-away-from-home" for the families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at near by hospitials.

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fred and Fran Hill's daughter Kim was undergoing treatment for leukemia. During Kim's three years of treatment, the Hills grew tired of sleeping in the hospital wainting room and eating meals out of vending machines. Fred, who was a player for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time, rallied the support of his teammates and General Manager Jim Murray; Dr. Audrey Evans from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and local McDonald's franchisees to create Ronald McDonald House.

25 years later, there are now 206 Ronald McDonald Houses in 19 countries.

RMHC's global office provides each House seed, expansion and emergency grants, as well as in-kind goods and services. However, each House relies on the people and businesses in its own community to provide additional funds, goods and services necessary for operations.

The Houses are supported by nearly 25,000 volunteers who donate one million hours of their time annually. Families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses are asked to make a donation ranging from $5 to $20 per day; if that is not possible, their stay is free.

Founders of the first RMH in Philadelphia selected the name "Ronald McDonald House" because this beloved clown is a symbol of happiness to children around the world. The name "Ronald McDonald House" has become synonymous worldwide as a home away from home for families with seriously ill children.

A very special Thanks To the Denver Ronald McDonald House
For all the "Tender Loving Care"

This is where we stayed at the 1911 mansion just east of downtown Denver at the corner of 16th and Ogden. It became a welcome sanctuary for over 17,000 families over the next two decades. But despite its 11,000 square feet with 15 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and 2 kitchens and commons area, families had to be turned away many nights because the house was full. In 1999 the Board of Directors decided to build a modern and much larger house next to Children's Hospital of Denver to meet the overwhelming demand for economical lodging.



Visit The Ronald McDonald House

Donations to RMHC help the Charity serve its mission to support programs that better the health and well being of critically ill and injured children. Donations from people like you have changed the lives of thousands of families. When you donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities, you can be sure your contribution is helping the Charity fulfill its mission to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Ronald McDonald House Charities