Ronald McDonald House of Springfield to Mark 25th Anniversary
SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield will hold a press conference to announce the celebration of its 25th anniversary serving families in need in Western Mass.
“We have been honored to have the ability to serve as a home away from home to the thousands of families who have stayed here,” said Craig Carr, one of the original founders of the facility. The press conference will discuss upcoming events taking place this coming year to help celebrate this historic milestone, while raising much-needed funds to help support the programs and services the House conducts on a year-round basis.
“Honoring our founders and donors will be the focus of our gala celebration, and the money raised will enable us to positively impact our House residents and support outreach efforts into neighboring communities,” said Margaret “Meg” Beturne, the organization’s current advisory board president. “A spring volunteer event will pay tribute to innumerable persons who have touched the lives of everyone connected with our House. An appreciation reception in May will pay tribute to the teen board and their advisors who have contributed countless volunteer hours and raised money through ongoing fund-raising efforts. Together, we will make a significant difference for those most in need of our caring services.”
Joined by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and other special guests, the press conference will take place at 34 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, at 10:45 a.m. Tours of the House and light refreshments will be provided.
Since 1991, when the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield opened its doors, families have received supportive services in the comfort of a home-like environment. The 21-bedroom house offers families the privacy of their own bedroom and bath, a large communal kitchen to prepare their meals, a large dining area, a TV room, a playroom, a laundry room, and a library.
Ronald McDonald House has a mission to provide a home away from home for families of children who are being cared for in local hospitals. Area hospitals served include Baystate Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital, Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Mercy Medical Center, and Clarke School for Hearing and Speech, to name a few.
The Springfield facility serves not only families from the four counties of Western Mass. and Worcester County, but families from all over the world who have come to the Pioneer Valley to seek treatment at a local medical center. A donation of $15 per night, per family is requested, but the House never turns down families without the means to pay.