RMHC Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $810K for Seriously Ill Children
Portland, OR. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) raised over $810,000 at its annual Hearts & Hands Gala, on October 5th. It was RMHC’s biggest event of the year and funds will help provide thousands of families with compassionate hospitality at the four Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses so that they can focus on the health of their child. At the benefit RMHC kids, 4-year-old twins John & Glen Letos, help auctioneer Dale Johannes draw the winning ticket for a 1.0-carat diamond. They were among the 500 supporters who gathered at The Nines to raise money, and also celebrate the opening of two new Ronald McDonald Houses earlier this year in the South Waterfront and Springfield. “Before 2019, it wasn’t unusual for us to turn away 20 families a day – but not anymore,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC. “Thanks to our generous community, like our presenting sponsor, John L. Scott, we are now able to welcome 79 pediatric patient families every night – providing a home away from home to more families than ever before. Our amazing community of supporters means so much to us and every hospitalized child and family that we serve!”
Charlene Zidell and Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC, share a hug before the auction.
Guests from Presenting Sponsor John L. Scott Foundation are all smiles.
Long-standing donors and supporters including Claudine Tanner (third from right) enjoy the cocktail hour.
Joe Ness, SVP and Chief Operating Officer at OHSU, (second from right) enjoys the silent disco with his family.
Cylie Lagaos, an RMHC guest, pulls the Golden Ticket for auctioneer Dale Johannes.
Angie Fogg (center) and Marquis supporters share a celebratory toast.
Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC, 2019 Kilts for Kids Kiltmasters, Josh Johnston, Owner of Paddy’s Bar & Grill, Alisa Mussone, and Joe Squires, President of Squires Electric.
RMHC Friends of the House Young Professionals Board members: Sean Ray (Barran Liebman), Evan Hayashi (Hayashi Wealth Management), Hank Iba (Deloitte & Touche), Lily McFadden, RMHC Director of Programs & Community Engagement, Danielle Fogg, Trisha James (Marquis Companies), and Katy Zahrte (Marquis Companies).
Board Chair, David Payne, (fifth from right) and guests from The Standard raise their paddles to support a family for one night.
Guests browsed items in the silent auction as they enjoyed wines from the critically-acclaimed Ken Wright Cellars. Emcee Shauna Parsons, of KPTV-TV, introduced guests including several RMHC kids. There was also a record-breaking paddle raise led by auctioneer Dale Johannes of Artisan Auctions.
Here’s a video about 4-year-old twins, John & Glen Letos and their family’s journey:
From Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Oregon & SW Washington:
Our Mission
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Oregon & SW Washington provides access to medical care, a “home away from home,” and a community of support for seriously ill or injured children and their families.
Keeping Families Close Since 1984
After two years of planning, the first Oregon Ronald McDonald House opened in 1984 within walking distance of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. In 1997, two more Ronald McDonald Houses opened: one in Bend, serving families who traveled for care at St. Charles Medical Center, and a second in Portland, just steps away from Randall Children’s Hospital on the campus of Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
In order to meet the evolving needs of our families and to increase capacity, our Houses have undergone various remodels and relocations. What began as one House with 17 guest rooms has evolved into four beautiful Houses with 79 rooms. For more than three decades, our dedicated staff and volunteers have offered comfort and support, a well-stocked kitchen, and a comfortable bed to more than 35,000 families, reminding everyone who enters our Houses that they are always at home and never alone.
Here’s a link to more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington: https://rmhcoregon.org/
