Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana

This week, we gathered alongside colleagues from chapters across 58 countries for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ International Conference here in Chicago. It was an incredible week filled with impact, connection and learning — from all the discussions to a private screening of “Audrey’s Children,” a film about the co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House that opened in Philadelphia, the late Dr. Audrey Evans, it was an inspirational time together. We are honored to also share that we were a finalist for two awards this week — the Dr. Audrey Evans Leadership Award, for our founders’ commitments to growing our organization, and a Global Impact Award for fostering the relationship with our founding and forever partner, McDonald's. We’re grateful for the Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Owner/Operators, General Managers, crew members and customers who believe in our mission to help families get better together. Today, tomorrow and always, we are committed to growing our partnership, supporting our local community and raising essential funds to help strengthen families and promote healing. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who supported our Annual Golf Classic, presented by McCain Foods and Tyson Foods! Because of the generosity from our supporters and sponsors, we raised a record amount, enabling us to provide comfort, community and access to world-class healthcare for families facing pediatric illness and injury. For that, we are so grateful. ❤️⛳️ #KeepingFamiliesClose

Yesterday, we debuted our brand new playground at our Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center — all made possible by the Wilch family, who also stayed at the House 25 years ago. ❤️✨ We are honored that the Wilch family chose to give back all these years later, and are excited to offer this new play space for children and families to enjoy for years to come. A special thank you to the family, Play Design Scapes and Corbell Sales & Consulting for their generosity in honor of their son, Justin, and his neurosurgeon at Loyola Medicine, Dr. Anderson. Check it out on NBC Chicago: https://lnkd.in/gaANKzde Learn more about the Wilch family's journey: https://lnkd.in/gG49WgpC #KeepingFamiliesClose #FeelGoodFriday

Earlier this week, our CEO Holly Buckendahl, MSW joined Alex Kuhn on 670 The Score to talk about our mission to help families get better together, and how you can get involved – whether it’s attending an upcoming event or registering to volunteer or cook a meal, you can make a direct and immediate impact on the families we serve. Listen here, and keep listening for additional stories from Cradles to Crayons Chicago and the Southside Summer Festival, sponsored by Marist High School Chicago: https://lnkd.in/gEb2PDkU

We are looking forward to our Annual Golf Classic this Wednesday, July 17, and we'd love for you to join the fun, no matter where you are. Check out our silent auction to grab unique items and experiences. Every bid is a chance to win some one-of-a-kind prizes and a way to support families with hospitalized children, providing them comfort, community and access to world-class healthcare. Start bidding: https://lnkd.in/gspZaYCZ

Meet Lainey, our June Volunteer of the Month! As both a Team Volunteer and College Representative, Lainey is involved in many ways – from helping with day-to-day tasks at our Ronald McDonald House near UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital to crafting crochet-stuffed animals for children and families. Her latest project is making craft baskets for the children staying at the House! Thank you for crafting with love, Lainey! https://lnkd.in/gd9ANbbH

It’s with profound sadness we share Ann Lurie has passed away. Her unwavering dedication and generous contributions to our organization touched countless lives and will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all, and her absence will be deeply felt. Ann’s experience as a pediatric critical care nurse at the former Children’s Memorial Hospital inspired her to make an unprecedented gift of $100 Million in 2007 that helped to build our beautiful Streeterville hospital. This gift continues to be the largest charitable investment received in our 142-year history. Words cannot adequately convey the sadness we share with Ann’s family and friends and all those she touched across Chicago and far beyond. Lurie Children’s will forever be grateful to Ann for creating a legacy that allows us to provide the highest quality, most compassionate care for patients and families across Chicagoland and beyond. Ann’s life inspires us all to embrace the power of her mantra to “do a good deed daily.” Read the full statement on behalf of Lurie Children’s President & CEO, Tom Shanley, MD, at https://lnkd.in/grZBHzw5

Go the extra mile with us this summer and sign up to volunteer at the Big Ten 10K event at Soldier Field on July 13! We’re proud to be one of the Charity Partners at this year’s Big Ten 10K race. We hope you will join us to make a difference: https://lnkd.in/gpPWJcqt

RMHC strives to provide services to strengthen families and remove barriers to healthcare for their children. That's why we have programs like our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, which serves to provide healthcare to children in underserved communities, enabling access in areas where children and families need it most. ❤️🚚 https://lnkd.in/gW7j8Qvj #RMHC50 #KeepingFamiliesClose

Looking to get involved? Volunteer at our Annual Golf Classic on July 17! It'll be a beautiful day at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont – we have many positions left! Sign up directly by visiting the link, or email volunteers@rmhccni.org to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gSvnfY4d