Archive for category: Expansion

Infographic listing all Chapter recipients of Remarkable Impact Grants and program names

The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota (RMHMN), received a $50,000 Remarkable Impact Grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) through the generosity of AbbVie, which funded the grants, to expand its fresh and healthy food program.

The RMHMN program—which has a working title of Keepin’ It Fresh—will transform a current space at the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester into a co-op with fresh food, dairy and more for guest children and families. It will complement the current meal and food programs with perishable food items and is a long-term commitment to the health and well-being of House guests.

“We are excited to receive this grant to support a basic need for our guest families – access to protein and fresh produce – along with other perishable items families need to prepare nutritious meals while staying at the House,” RMHMN Executive Director Peggy Elliott said.

The Remarkable Impact Grants were awarded to Houses proposing programs that implement innovative ways to address the unmet needs of children and families and fit one of the following categories: wellness and nutrition, child enrichment, addressing the needs of unique populations, family support, before and after the Ronald McDonald House experience. The $25,000 or $50,000 grants were awarded to 29 RMHC Chapters across the United States as part of a $1,325,000 grant pool.

The food co-op qualified under the wellness and nutrition category. It will be completed as part of the four-month renovation to the existing House following the grand opening of its expansion project, which is set for the week of May 13.

The RMHMN previously received a $3.3 million grant on behalf of AbbVie in support of its expansion project, which was part of a $100 million donation from AbbVie to RMHC. As part of that donation, $2 million over the next two years has been allotted to support the Remarkable Impact Grants program.

Founded in 1980 as Northland Children’s Services, the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota provides a home away from home and offers support to families seeking medical care for their children. For more information about the expansion, please visit wordpress-342253-1376010.cloudwaysapps.com.

CHICAGO, ILL.—Ronald McDonald House Charities announced a $100 million donation from AbbVie at its international conference in Chicago on Monday, resulting in a $3.3 million grant for the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota and its Love Tremendously Hope Exceedingly capital campaign.

It is the largest gift received by Ronald McDonald House Charities, the largest gift given by AbbVie, and the largest grant received by the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.

“It’s an incredible gift,” Executive Director Peggy Elliott said. “The House has been blessed in the expansion process and today is no exception. AbbVie has made a lasting and meaningful impact on children and families. It still brings tears to my eyes.”

AbbVie–a research-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Lake Bluff, Ill.–made the donation with the intent to accelerate the building process for Houses in the midst of capital campaigns. AbbVie wants to ensure all children have access to healthcare and that families are able to stay together during that time.

Thirty-two Houses received a grant, which will result in 600 new guest rooms (13-percent increase in nationwide capacity), 230,000-plus family nights annually, and more than $35 million saved for families with children seeking medical care every year. Specifically, the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester will increase from 42 to 70 guest rooms, increasing the amount of families it serves annually from 800 to 1,500.

The grant from AbbVie reduces the remaining funds to be raised for the Love Tremendously Hope Exceedingly capital campaign to less than $1 million.

“This gift is significant, not only for our House, but for many Houses across the country,” said Elliott. “It speaks volumes to the work being done by Ronald McDonald House Charities and its staff to build and foster this relationship with AbbVie. It’s certainly a day to celebrate.”

The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester was considered for the grant due to its diligence and thoughtful volunteer leadership and progress made in the capital campaign—every gift and every dollar counted. The capital campaign has received more than 1,000 gifts to date, led by six of $1 million or more.

“When we say each gift, each dollar is important and significant, it’s true,” Elliott said. “Our House was selected to receive a grant because of the tremendous support already received from the community on the project. We can’t begin to thank everyone who has supported our project thus far and who paved the way for this grant to happen.”

The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester broke ground on its 30-room expansion on May 1. It will also include a small indoor gym, indoor and outdoor play areas, underground parking and green space, all of which will use modern construction to create welcoming and comfortable areas for children and families. Upon completion, it will be the largest Ronald McDonald House in the state of Minnesota.

“Our community has a heart of gold,” said Elliott. “One of our core values is hospitality with heart; a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, comfortable and loved and their families gain strength and hope. AbbVie has given many children and families hope.”

Founded in 1980 as Northland Children’s Services, the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minnesota is one of 182 Houses across the United States, providing a home-away-from-home and offering support to families seeking medical care for their children. For more information about the expansion and the Love Tremendously Hope Exceedingly capital campaign, visit https://expansion.rmhmn.org.