Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $730,000

Portland, OR. Families of seriously ill or injured children had their spirits lifted by 500 supporters at the October 13th Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Hearts & Hands gala. The benefit at the Oregon Convention Center raised over $730,000. Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC, (center) thanked donors like Gary and Christine Rood. “I am so grateful for everyone that attended this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala & Auction. From Gary & Christine Rood to Claudine Tanner, our biggest supporters made it a night to remember.”

Right now there are two local Ronald McDonald Houses, but in early 2019, (RMHC) of Oregon & SW Washington will open its new South Waterfront House on the west side of town at the OHSU Gary & Christine Rood Family Pavilion. (RMHC) Provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children, and supports initiatives to improve pediatric health. (Photo credit, Trevor Pound)

The event supports families like the Ornie family, from Raymond, Washington, whose two-year old daughter Kaylina is receiving cancer treatment at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Here’s a video about their journey.

“Kaylina and her family are so brave and we at Ronald McDonald House Charities are lucky to be able to support them though their journey. Our Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses have provided the whole Ornie clan from grandma to younger sister, Irelynn, a chance to stay close to Kaylina during her treatment,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC. “The Ornies are prime examples of why we gather in support and strive to serve more and more families in need.”

With over $730,000 raised, the impact to the four Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses is substantial. It costs RMHC $150 to host a family for one night, and the Gala’s success allows the organization to provide a loving “home away from home” for families for over 4,833 nights. For families who must travel far from home and grapple with the stress and uncertainty of having a sick child, having a place to call home and a supportive community is priceless.

The sponsors who made the event possible, included: (Presenting Sponsor): John L. Scott Foundation (Platinum Sponsors): Coca-Cola Company; Swire Coca-Cola, USA; OHSU; (Gold Sponsors): Hoffman Construction Company; KPFF; McDonald’s Owner/Operators; US Bank; ZGF (Silver Sponsors): Baird, First Tech Federal Credit Union; Netrush, OEG (Bronze Sponsors); Kaiser Permanente; McDonalds Owners and Operators; Moda; Parr Lumber; Turner Construction (Enrichment Sponsors): Allied Partners; Barran Liebman Attorneys; DR Pepper Snapple Group; Douglas & Gloria Rumberger Foundation; Ken Wright Cellars Moonstruck Chocolates; McDonald Jacobs; Moss Adams, LLP; Pacific Office Automation.

Here’s a link to more photos from the gala https://www.flickr.com/photos/rmhcoregon/albums/72157672614929097