Ronald McDonald House: The House that Love Built
If you are a follower of PCA posts on social media, you will see everything from exciting project updates, to blogs filled with interesting tidbits, to fun-filled event pictures and so much more! You will also see posts about various team members, in the community, giving back—something that PCA holds near and dear to its heart! One of the most long-standing philanthropy efforts you will see from time to time is the firm’s involvement at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. The keyword in that statement is “firm”. While we have various members involved in all sorts of volunteering efforts throughout the region, all members of the firm are participants in Ronald McDonald House at some time or another.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities were established to create, find, and support programs directly related to improving the health and well-being of children and their families. If you visit one of the many Ronald McDonald houses in the country, you will find pediatric patients being treated for various medical reasons. Some behavioral. Some physical.
PCA has been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore for over 15 years. What do we do, you ask? Every other month on one Tuesday evening, we gather the forces! Co-workers, friends, family, even some vendors like Chesapeake Tile and Marble, all jump on the highway, fighting rush hour traffic, to make dinner and dessert for all the families staying at the house. This is a tradition that Cathy Purple Cherry started and the rest of PCA jumped onboard truly loving and embracing it!
In spring 2019, the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore moved from its location near Lexington Market to Aisquith Street across town, allowing it to double its capacity in a new 60,000 square foot state of the art building. The new house provides a brand new kitchen with all new appliances, induction cooktop, commercial dishwashers, and storage for all visitors. One of the neatest features is the rooftop terrace that PCA was able to experience one night after cooking dinner. The comfortable outdoor seating, fire pits, and water features truly create a place where families can go between hospital visits to seek a little bit of respite. There can be up to 100 individuals staying at the house. Look at some of the great spaces!
People often say that the Ronal McDonald House is “the house that love built”. This is only supported more by the oversized 26’ heart on top of the building that lights the way for anyone who stays or volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. In addition to the heart that you can see for miles, the patients, their families, and volunteers have also left their own mark. The house calls them “hope stones”- containing messages of hope and encouragement, all captured through installations near the elevators. Even local artists donated over 250 pieces to decorate the house in the house’s “All You Need is Love” project.
PCA has first-handedly seen the greatness that the Ronald McDonald House provides. The house really provides comfort to patients and families going through difficult times. Recently, the PCA gals took a Towson University student, also a patient, out to get her nails done! Another fun connection, one of our beloved clients was the co-chair of the fundraising campaign for the new house.
We are just one of the many organizations that support the Roald McDonald House. We have made great friends with patients, staff and other volunteers and they have all truly inspired us. They remind us to always keep fighting, do well, and that God has a plan.
Do not think you will only find us in the kitchen! We have also had team members participate in the annual Red Shoe Shuffle, a 5K Run/Walk to help support the house. If you are a runner, lace up those running shoes! This annual run happens early spring, starting and ending at the house! This year, the new house means a new course! Take a look at the Red Shoe Shuffle page for details. Who knows… maybe you will see one of us there!
5K not your thing? That’s okay! You can still join us in support of the Ronald McDonald house. Be sure to check the website for all volunteer opportunities or join the PCA team one night for dinner?!
Written by Ashley Marshall, project manager at PCA