Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio

A special full-circle moment to end the week: In 2000, Dylan’s family stayed with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa, Inc. while he was being treated at a nearby hospital. 24 years later, Dylan returned to stay at the House, this time as a dad. His son Creed finished his treatment and their family is returning home! We are sending them the best wishes on the next part of their journey. 🎉💙

Through our 1,000+ RMHC programs around the world, we strive to meet the unique needs of families all along their children’s healthcare journey, addressing the importance of proximity, involvement, education and partnership in meeting those needs. 💙🌍

📸: Sala Familiar Ronald McDonald Vall D'Hebron

💖 Happy National Sons and Daughters Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible strength and love of the families who make our House a true home. We recently had the joy of watching two beautiful families embark on the next chapter of their journey. The Epling family headed home after 609 days, and the Spicer family after 112 days. We're so grateful to have been part of their story and wish them nothing but happiness and health as they return home. 🌟

🎉🎂 Our dear friend Omario just celebrated his 10th birthday at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House! Over the past few months, Omario and his wonderful family have filled our home-away-from-home with endless joy, warmth, and positivity. Their kindness and bright smiles have touched the hearts of fellow families, volunteers, and staff. We’re so grateful for this amazing Jamaican family and are sending Omario all our love and best wishes for the most incredible year ahead! 🌟🇯🇲

🎅✨ A couple of weeks ago our beloved Kitchen Host, Dave, brought the holiday spirit early this year with his annual 'Christmas in July' celebration for our House families! With the help of our dedicated kitchen host volunteers—and a surprise visit from Santa himself—Dave and his team prepared a festive meal that filled the room with joy and laughter. Thanks to Santa's trusty elf, House volunteer Patti, the kids also enjoyed some special gifts. A heartfelt thank you to all the kitchen host volunteers who helped make this magical evening one to remember! 🎄🎁

🎾 Join us for Racquets for RMHC! 🎾

Double your impact! All registrations and sponsorships will be matched up to $3,500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Register at rmhc-centralohio.org/racquets-for-rmhc/ or donate if you can't attend! Plus, enjoy live music by Down 12! 🎶

Thank you for supporting families of critically ill children! 🌟❤️🏡

The RMHC mission goes far beyond giving families a place to stay when their child needs healthcare. Our work aims to provide families with access to care, surround them with a supportive community, and meet their physical and emotional needs.

To learn more about our impact, visit rmhc.org 💙

From the show ring to heartfelt giving, the 2024 Dean's Charity Steer Show was a true showcase of community spirit! 🌟 Thanks to your support and generosity, $228,554 was raised for RMHC of Central Ohio! 🐄 🎉 Congratulations to our award winning teams:

🏆 GRAND CHAMPION: The McJestic Jewels
🏅 BEST STEER: CoverMyChan
🎩 SHOWMANSHIP AWARD: Team Partners for Ohio Agriculture
👢 BEST DRESSED: The Huntington Green Team
👏 PEOPLE'S CHOICE: Team Partners for Ohio Agriculture
📣 4-H CHAMPION: Meredith Donnelly

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio Cattlemen's Association, Ohio State Fair, Telhio Credit Union, and all of the other wonderful companies that made this event possible.

📸: Linde's Livestock Photography

Last week, the Safelite Early Careers Cohort visited the Columbus Ronald McDonald House to prepare rooms for our families. Their efforts were truly outstanding, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support! A big thank you to companies like Safelite that make a difference through their volunteer work. Interested in getting your organization involved? Visit https://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to learn how you can help. ❤ Safelite

These players are heroes on and off the field🏟️🏈❤️ Kick-off The Ohio State University Football season by rooting for our home team at the first game in Ohio Stadium! By entering this raffle to benefit RMHC of Central Ohio, you could win 2 tickets to the game on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Tickets generously donated by WSYX ABC 6🏡

Purchase one (1) raffle ticket for $10 each by visiting: rmhc-centralohio.org/football-raffle/

Gerritt and Emily, and their children Liam and Paisley, are currently staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House to support their son Declan. Emily had twin boys that were born at 23 weeks 5 days, Declan born at 1 pound 9 ounces and Beau born at 1 pound 6.6 ounces. After 50 days of life, Beau sadly passed away in the NICU. But Declan continues to fight each and every day. Throughout the entire journey in the NICU the Ronald McDonald House has provided them with a home-away-from-home, a place to wash their clothes and shower, and a place to come back to every night so that whichever parent is not staying with Declan can rest. Yesterday their family had the opportunity to attend the Columbus Clippers game and throw the first pitch. They threw the first pitch to honor every parent and child that the Ronald McDonald House has helped and supported along their journey, and honored Beau and his bravery and strength that he endured through his time on earth. We are beyond thankful for Eagle Heating & Cooling Inc. providing this opportunity for one of our families to step away and experience a small bit of normalcy during this emotional and challenging time.

One of the most special things families find when they turn to RMHC for support is friendship!

Depending on a family's needs, they can be with us for just a couple of days or, in some cases, years. Being surrounded by other families and children experiencing similar situations forms bonds that can last a lifetime. Together, they can play, rest, and support each other when it matters most. 💙

Volunteering with RMHC can take many different forms! At Ronald McDonald Børnefond, volunteers support families by cooking, repairing bikes, knitting socks, and even making towel animals! Each of these acts of care provide physical and emotional support to families, allowing them to focus their energy on their child. Learn how you can get involved at rmhc.org/get-involved 💙✨

Did you know that RMHC of Central Ohio provides dedicated family rooms inside hospitals, offering a quiet retreat away from medical spaces? These rooms are equipped for families to relax, grab a bite to eat, do laundry, or take a break during challenging times.

We’re proud to host “Tasty Tuesdays” at our Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion family room, where local businesses generously donate food to support families in need. This initiative not only addresses food insecurity but also highlights the incredible local businesses that contribute to our community.

A big thank you to our July Tasty Tuesday donors: Market 65, McDonald's, Haskell Women's Small Group, and an anonymous pizza donor! 😋

Interested in getting involved or learning more? Contact Program Manager Megan Renner at [email protected]

Making a splash and spreading smiles! 💧🎈☀️ At the Columbus Ronald McDonald House, summer fun is all about letting kids be kids. We're so grateful for the joy and laughter that moments like these bring to families during some of the hardest times of their lives.

“We were so happy to be at the Ronald McDonald House. We were with other families we could exchange stories with and seek recognition from each other.”

When Sef was born prematurely at 28 weeks, his parents Irene and Marco, found the support and strength they needed at Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds. From a loving community of other families with similar experiences to warm meals each day, RMHC allowed them to be with Sef as much as possible during his treatment. 💙

What an amazing day at the 2024 Dean’s Charity Steer Show!🌟Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event a success! Together, we raised approximately $220,000 to support families with children receiving care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 💙 Haven’t donated yet? There’s still time! Visit the link in our bio and select ‘Dean’s Charity Steer Show Donation’ to make a difference today! 🙌

Thank you to our event sponsors: Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union

The countdown is over! The Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair is TOMORROW! 🥳 Last but not least, meet team USA (Ultimate Steer Awesomeness)! 🇺🇸 This team includes Ryan and Andrea Wilkins (Wilkins Collective), Kate Siefert (ABC 6 and FOX 28), Victoria Hiler (experienced 4-H member from Crawford County) and her steer, MJ! In 2023, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House was able to provide 434 nights of rest and serve 158 individuals from Crawford County. This team holds a special place in our hearts as Ryan was an RMHC of Central Ohio employee for 15 years! Help this team raise funds for RMHC of Central Ohio by making a donation to their team page or bidding on their amazing auction items like tickets to the OSU vs Akron Football Game! We will see you tomorrow in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center at 2pm! Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

🚨 You do not need to be at the steer show to bid on and receive auction items for any of the teams 🚨

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/WilkinsCollective
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/qXkY/?search=

2 MORE DAYS! Come out to the steer show at 2pm this Tuesday at the Ohio State Fair and see The Valley Rangers in action! 🚙 This team consists of Jacob Schaub (Valley Ford Columbus), Jennifer Kiel (Ohio Farmer), 18 year old Gage Farrar from Jackson County (president of his 4-H club) and his steer, Ranger. 🐮 In 2023, the Columbus RMH was able to provide a total of 339 nights of rest and serve 111 individuals from Jackson County! Partner with this team in raising donations for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio! If you would like to support this team you can give to their team page or bid on some of their one of a kind auction items like an OSU Jersey signed by Carnell Tate 🏈 or a Guardians Jersey signed by Steven Kwan! ⚾ Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamValleyFord
OSU Jersey: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rwoT/?search=
Guardians Jersey: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rwoS/?search=

We are thrilled that the Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair is just 3 days away! Meet team Partners for Ohio Agriculture! On this team we have Dan Wagner (Farm Credit Mid-America), Matt Reese (Ohio Country Journal), Kaylee Jennings (4-H member from Clermont County), and her heifer, Becky! 🐄 In 2023, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House was able to provide a total of 258 nights of rest and help 92 individuals from Clermont and its surrounding counties. Let's help this team raise support for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio by directly giving to their team page or by bidding on their auctions items like a Milwaukee Tool Kit! Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/PartnersforOHAgriculture
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rrBI/?search=

4 more days until the Dean's Charity Steer Show! 🐮 Meet team, "It's Giving Steer". This team is made up of influencer Zoe Kent (), Scott White (IGS Energy), 4-H youth, 15 year old Brady Evans from Tuscarawas County and his steer, Billy. In 2023, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House was able to serve 312 individuals and provide a total of 882 nights of rest for families from Tuscarawas County and surrounding areas.💙 Help this team in their efforts of supporting our family centered mission by giving directly to their page or bidding on some of their auction items like the Lange Le Shape Duet Hair Styling Tool! Don't forget to join us at the event at the Ohio State Fair on July 30th at 2pm in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center! See you there🤩 Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamIGS
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/qpDV/?search=

What a week! Over the last few days, RMHC colleagues from 58 countries joined us here in Chicago for the 2024 RMHC International Conference.

It was an incredible time filled with connection, discussion, and inspiration! From our 100 learning sessions to a private screening of Audrey's Children, a biopic of our co-founder, the late Dr. Audrey Evans, we had an unforgettable time together.

Thank you to the 1,700+ members of the RMHC Family that traveled far and wide to be with us. YOU are the heart of the work we do and the driving force of our mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

As we continue to celebrate our milestone anniversary this year, let us remember: we are 50 years young, and our work has just begun!

5 days left until the Dean's Charity Steer Show! Meet The McJestic Jewels! 🐮 This dynamic team includes Tara Vorst, Kelly Applegrath, Carie Applegrath and Shane Applegrath from McDonald's and Robyn Harris with NBC4. The team also includes 16 year old, 4-H member, Jake Stingley from Clinton County along with his heifer named Jewels. Last year alone, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provided 528 nights of comfort and supported 216 individuals from Clinton County and its surrounding areas! Help this team make a difference by donating to their cause or bidding on exclusive items like a Lange 360 Airflow Styler. Together, let's support the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio! 💛 Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamMcDonalds
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/qpGf/?search=

We are officially less than one week away from the Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair! 🎉🐮 Meet Huntington Green Team 💚 This amazing team consists of Maggie Ference and Christina Brown with Huntington, Yolanda Harris with WBNS-10TV and 13 year old Meredith Donnelly who is a 4-H member in Hardin County along with her steer, Domino. In 2023, the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus hosted 95 individuals and provided 266 nights of rest for families from Hardin County. This team is auctioning off Gabby Barrett concert tickets to raise support for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio! You can help them make a difference by supporting them directly or through bidding on their auction items! Telhio Credit Union Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Ohio State Fair

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamHuntington
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rrGc/?search=

One more week until the Dean's Charity Steer Show! 🥳 Today we are featuring team Markeesha, Duchess of Dover! This team includes Ashley Englefield Dewitt with Duchess Convenience Stores, Wild Walley Schneider with WCLT-T-100.3, and 16 year old 4-H member from Tuscarawas County, Barrett Evans, along with the star of the show, Markeesha who is Barrett's heifer.🐄 In 2023, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House was able to serve 312 individuals and provide a total of 882 nights of rest for families from Tuscarawas County and surrounding areas. Help support this team in their mission to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio by directly giving to their page or bidding on one of their auction items like the Firestick 4K! We'll see you on July 30th at the Ohio State Fair! Ohio State Fair Ohio Cattlemen's Association Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamDuchess
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/qpTq/?search=

Meet team, CoverMyChan! On this team, we have Mike Cohn with CoverMyMeds, Dan Wilson with Wilson 1 Communications and Hayden Smith, 17 year old from Holmes County with almost a decade of 4-H experience. Also on this team is Hayden's steer, Chan.🐄 Last year, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House was able to provide 998 nights of rest and serve 391 individuals from Holmes County and its surrounding areas. Help CoverMyChan in their efforts to raise support for The Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio and show your support by joining us at the Dean's Charity Steer Show on July 30th at 2pm at the Ohio State Fair! 💙 See you then 😄 Ohio State Fair Telhio Credit Union Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Ohio Cattlemen's Association

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/CoverMyMeds
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/qpIq/?search=

The countdown is on! Just 9 days left until the 2024 Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair! 🎉 Meet The Beef Builders 💪 This powerhouse team includes Josh Corna from Continental Building Company, Colin Dorsey from WSIL-TV, and the talented 12-year-old 4-H member, Bentlee Clem from Clark County, along with his steer, Lou. 🐮 Last year, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provided 612 nights of rest for families from Clark County, benefiting 82 individuals. Support The Beef Builders in their fundraising efforts for RMHC of Central Ohio by contributing directly to their team page or bidding on auction items like a Carfagna's Butcher Box! Join us at the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center at 2pm on July 30th for an unforgettable event at the Ohio State Fair! 🌟 Telhio Credit Union Ohio State Fair Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/TeamContinental
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rsFy/

Only 10 days until the Dean's Charity Steer Show at the Ohio State Fair on July 30th, hosted at the Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center at 2pm. Meet Team Limmy's Chocolate Angels! 🍫 This spirited team features Nick Trifelos from Anthony-Thomas Chocolates, Gabrielle Phifer from NBC4, and Brandon Sachara, a dedicated 19-year-old 4-H member from Wayne County with a decade of steer-showing experience. Their star steer, Limmy Jimmy, adds extra charm to their lineup. Last year, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provided crucial support by offering 581 nights of rest and assisting 281 individuals from Wayne County and surrounding areas. Support Team Limmy's Chocolate Angels in their efforts for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio! 🌟 Donate directly or bid on exclusive items like a tour of Anthony-Thomas Chocolate. Let's make a difference together! 💙 Telhio Credit Union Ohio Cattlemen's Association Ohio State Fair Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/anthonythomas
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rm6d

🌟 Let the countdown begin! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce 11 amazing teams joining this year's Dean's Charity Steer Show! Over the next 11 days, we'll introduce each team leading up to the big event on July 30th. Meet Team Rocky! 🐮 This dynamic team includes Dan Mueller from AEP, Chuck Ringwalt from Your Morning on Spectrum News 1, and Trace Bryan, a talented 17-year-old 4-H member from Hancock County, along with his steer, Rocky. Last year alone, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provided 251 nights of comfort and supported 152 individuals from Hancock County! Help Team Rocky make a difference by donating to their cause or bidding on exclusive items like their 'Taste of Hancock County' package. Together, let's support the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio! 💙 Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Ohio Cattlemen's Association Telhio Credit Union Ohio State Fair

Team page: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2024SteerShow/team/AEP
Auction item: https://e.givesmart.com/events/AQ7/i/_All/rwow/?search=

Join us in making a difference! 🌟 Volunteer with Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio at the Columbus Food Truck Festival this year! We're seeking 120 enthusiastic volunteers for various shifts on Saturday, August 17th. Your role will involve serving drinks, selling tickets, and enjoying a free t-shirt plus a food voucher for select food trucks! 🚚🥤🎟️

Interested? Sign up now via our Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSet7nWzYQ2E62_orYaPWXrtBInZ7vz7waWnVSpImurZWCQ_8g/viewform?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3i4d8CMgv3e2_sm4XRPeGEjA76we_kSWqWrzu4uspSsYdrH9UDj468HAQ_aem_EKIP80AocNHVRpSouoUaZQ

In 2008, Instituto Ronald McDonald launched the Childhood Cancer Early Diagnosis program, which has trained 35,000 health and education professionals to identify early signs and symptoms of cancer for quicker referrals to specialized care centers. This initiative ensures that children receive faster, critical care, significantly improving survival rates across Brazil. Learn more about the program at https://institutoronald.org.br/home/diagnostico-precoce/

Join us in celebrating Mathias and his mom as they head back home! 🎉 While Mathias received treatment at a nearby hospital, his family found strength and support at RMHC. For 166 nights, Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton provided them with physical and emotional support so they could focus on the health of Mathias. 💙

🌟 Last chance alert! 🌟 Today is your final opportunity to enter these raffles! 🎟️ Don't miss out on a chance to win tickets to the OSU vs. Akron game on August 31st or a dreamy 6-8 night cruise! 🚢 Every entry supports families at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House! Good luck!

OSU Raffle: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=0a6fe31d-0936-46cf-b788-967d3662b217&envId=p-qur6tMI_bEaAXlbvqVs_XQ&zone=usa

Cruise Raffle: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=9cab69c3-f975-4426-9984-0b42cf5629bc&envId=p-qur6tMI_bEaAXlbvqVs_XQ&zone=usa

Thank you to Good Medicine Productions for joining us at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House last week for a heartwarming family activity. Providing families with a much-needed respite during their child's medical journey is truly invaluable to us. 🎼💛

After 186 days, the Taylor family is bringing their baby home from the hospital for the first time! They've been with us since their baby was born, and we're thrilled to celebrate this next chapter with them. 💙🥳

"The care, consideration, kindness, and aroha (love) that RMHC showed my whānau (family) will be something I treasure forever."

When three-year-old Nia needed medical care, the Quinn family traveled a considerable distance from their home for her to receive high-level care. Thankfully, Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand provided the strength and care they needed to best support Nia on her healthcare journey. 💙

After over 3 years, Estefi and her family are finally heading home! Estefi's family holds a special place in our hearts as our longest-staying guests, and we've shared countless milestones with them along their journey. Today, we celebrate their perseverance and strength as they embark on this next chapter. Estefi even surprised us with this heartfelt artwork to express her gratitude to everyone at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. We are deeply touched and honored to have been part of their medical journey. 🏠💙

Check out this video of RMHC mom, Lorisa Lovett discussing how the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio had an impact on her and her families medical journey during Bowel Management Week at Nationwide Children's Hospital.The week consists of intensive therapy for patients with bowel-related medical issues. We are so grateful to be able to serve all kinds of families going through different medical journeys💙

Bowel Management Week Welcomes Families to Columbus Ronald McDonald House The Lovett family is one of several families staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House during what’s known as Bowel Management Week. Patient Nicholas’ mo...