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/
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)
Susan Schnitzer, Phil Fogg, Jessica Jarratt Miller
Brad & Judy Johnson
The Tanner Family
David Payne, Jessica Jarratt Miller
Paddles Raise to Support Families for One Night
Guests from OHSU
Supporters of RMHC celebrate to close out the evening
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.
Portland, OR. More than 450 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate life’s silver linings at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon & Southwest Washington. The event, presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, raised over $630,000, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history. Current Ronald McDonald House guests, the Moser family, from Central Point, Oregon, spoke about their 23 days at Portland’s Ronald McDonald Houses and the impact it has had on their family while son Dagan was recovering from being hit by a car. Dagan’s parents and two sisters joined him on stage.
The event also recognized RMHC’s 2017 Partner of Distinction – Coca-Cola Company – for its contributions to RMHC. Picture are, Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ann Tousignant, Coca-Cola Company and, Mary Ransome, RMHC Board Emeritus.
“Coca-Cola Company has provided tremendous support and funding for our Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses for more than three decades. They have made a difference in the lives of thousands of seriously ill children and families who come to stay and heal at our Houses,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller. “We are thrilled to recognize Coca-Cola Company as the 2017 Partner of Distinction.”
John L. Scott Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor.
The benefit on October 14th began with a red carpet greeting from Ronald McDonald, followed by a silent and live auction. Top auction items included a trip to Avignon France, private ocean front Kauai home, a trip to Napa Valley on a private jet, and an Oregon-themed “City Slickers” package.
From Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington:
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala and the tremendous impact it will have on our families with seriously ill children,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Our Houses provide silver linings for families who must travel far from home to get medical care for their children, and we are beyond grateful for the amazing outpouring of support of our sponsors and attendees.”
With over $630,000, – more than ever before – the impact to the three 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 4200 nights. For families who must travel far from home and grapple with the stress and uncertainty of having a sick child, having a homey place to stay and a supportive community is priceless.
The sponsors who made the event possible, included: John L. Scott Foundation (Presenting Sponsor); Coca-Cola Company (Platinum Sponsor); Hoffman Construction Company, McDonald’s Owner/Operators, US Bank (Gold Sponsors); Baird, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Golden State Foods, Portland Trail Blazers, Turner Construction (Silver Sponsors); Kaiser Permanente, Netrush, Northwest Consulting and Marketing, Inc. (Bronze Sponsors); Barran Liebman, LLP, Moss Adam, LLC,
Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., Health Net, Douglas & Gloria Rumberger Foundation, DDI Benefits (Special Experience Sponsors).
North Plains, OR. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington celebrated its 14th annual Golf Classic at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. This year’s event on July 18th, sold out, and the organization raised a record-breaking $259,000 for families with seriously ill children. Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, played at this year’s event Gary Rood, CEO & Owner of Rood Investments, Cindy Luckman, Board Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Bob Elliot, a current guest staying at the East Ronald McDonald House.
The Standard, this year’s presenting sponsor, had several company teams at this years event. Christopher Conklin (left) is joined by Daniel McMillan, Greg Ness, and Davie Payne. David, a RMHC Board Member, also served as the Golf Committee Chair at this year’s Golf Classic.
Ronald McDonald joins RMHC Board Member Buz McDonald and RMHC CEO Jessica Jarratt Miller. Buz was the raffle winner of this year’s Lexus Champions for Charity raffle, presented by Kuni Lexus of Portland.
Wade Chosvig, a former RMHC house guest and talented golfer, played at this year’s event for the second time.
“This incredible outpouring of support allows us to provide a ‘home away from home’ for families with seriously ill children, and we cannot thank our sponsors, golfers, golf committee members, volunteers and families enough for making this event a success,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
This year’s event was presented by The Standard and received support from numerous sponsors, including platinum level sponsors ClaimVantage, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike, Pacific Northwest Baking Co., and Weyerhaeuser.
At the event, golfers got to choose between Ghost Creek or the private Witch Hollow for an afternoon of golfing. This fun-filled event included margaritas, games, a chance to “Shoot like Ronald,” and an assortment of other activities and prizes.
Ronald McDonald House Charities next big event, the Hearts & Hands Gala, is less than two months away on Saturday, September 17 at the Oregon Convention Center. This heartfelt evening will feature a fabulous live and silent auction, gourmet dinner, dancing and more to support families. To learn more about this event, visit rmhcoregon.org/gala.
About RMHC
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington® provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children, and supports initiatives to improve pediatric health. For more than three decades, our dedicated staff and volunteers have offered comfort and support, a well-stocked kitchen and a warm bed to more than 30,000 families. To accomplish this, we rely on the generosity of donors, community partners and the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly give to our organization every year. For more information, visit www.rmhcoregon.org.
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