The first Ronald McDonald House was opened October 15, 1974 in Philidelphia. It was the result of perseverance and dedication of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jim Murray, their general manager who rallied around teammate Fred Hill, a linebacker whose three year old daughter, Kim had leukemia. After Kim was treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Murray, Hill and his teammates were determined to do something to benefit the families of children who were hospitalized. Murray consulted with Kim's physician, Dr. Audrey Evans, leading pediatric oncologist, who expressed a need for a "home-away-from-home" facility near the hospital. Ultimately this led to a joint fundraising effort by the Eagles and Philadelphia area McDonald's restaurants to purchase and renovate the first House.

The House was named for the children's character Ronald McDonald who ranks second only to Santa Claus in recognition among children. This recognition of the person the House was named for helped the children to feel at ease, brighten the atmosphere of the House and took away some of the stress of their illness. The House was so warmly received, and filled so greatly a need that by September of 1986, the 100th House (with locations around the world) opened in New York City. And in every city the underlying theme is the same.. one of caring and sharing for both the children who are seriously ill and their families. The Ronald McDonald House truly is the "House that Love Built."

To date, more than 10 million families with sick children have called a Ronald McDonald House a "home-away-from-home," saving them over $120 million in housing and meal cost. And more important, countless smiles have been shared, lives have been touched, and connections have been made.

Without a Ronald McDonald House, the only lodging alternatives would be lonely and expensive hotel rooms, or hospital cots. Finding themselves in a strange city, away from the crucial support of friends and relatives, many parents find this to be a desperately unhappy experience - at a time when their children most need their strength and encouragement.

Did You Know?

What is the involvement of McDonald's Restaurants in this program?

When McDonald's Restaurants in the PHiladelphia area joined the Eagles to create the first Ronald McDonald House, a McDonald's Shamrock Shake promotion was held to raise a large part of the funds to purchase the House. Since then, each Ronald McDonald House had included McDonald's resaurants in the community as a major, initial fund-raising source.

Who operates the Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi, has a Board of Directors and an executive director who oversees all operations of the House in addition to other staff members who assist in running the Houses. Volunteers are key to keeping the Houses running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

How do I locate other Ronald McDonald Houses?

The national Ronald McDonald House Web page (www.rmhc.com) has links to other Houses throughout the U.S.