Ronald McDonald House Expands to Serve More Families

    GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Leaders of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) announced the More Rooms, More Love campaign, a $2 million fundraising effort to expand and renovate the House at 1323 Cedar, NE in Grand Rapids.

    Funds will be used to add eight additional private rooms, renovate the kitchen and dining areas, update laundry facilities, completely overhaul the playground and improve other facility amenities. Construction, to be managed by EV Construction, is planned for later this year.  When renovations are complete, the updated House will serve more regional families that travel to Grand Rapids for medical care from sixty-five counties throughout Michigan.  

    Founded in 1990, the Ronald McDonald House provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with critically ill or hospitalized children that need a place to stay while their child recovers.  The RMH staff and volunteers provide a free stay in private rooms along with meals, play space for siblings, and supports for families facing challenging circumstances.

    The 19,000 square foot facility is located on five park-like acres, a short drive from DeVos Children’s Hospital. The House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and three are handicap accessible. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking the backyard that has a playground area and a walking path and a children’s playhouse, a laundry room, and recreation room.

    At today’s public announcement of the fund drive, Andrew Grashuis, campaign co-chair, invited the public to join in the fundraising effort which will continue through the end of the year.  

    “Since our founding over thirty years ago, we’ve helped over 10,000 families at the House.  Unfortunately, due to lack of space, we’ve also had to turn away another 5,000 families,” said Grashuis.  “As Grand Rapids’ medical reputation has grown, so has the demand for space at the House. We’re incredibly proud that we can take the burden off of families that have to travel to Grand Rapids for medical care for their children. If we can provide a nice, safe place to stay, good meals, and a place for respite during a time of high stress for parents, we know we’re doing good and valuable work.”

    Ellen Carpenter, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House, shared that the campaign has received significant support from area hospitals, local and regional foundations, area businesses, and generous community donors.  

    “We have been so fortunate to receive gifts to this important campaign.  Our Campaign Cabinet joins me in thanking the community for their meaningful gifts.  We now invite the broader community to help us complete this campaign effort.  We welcome gifts of all sizes,” said Carpenter.

    Today’s announcement marks the beginning of the public phase of the $2 million campaign.  Gifts can be made via the Ronald McDonald House’s website at https://rmhcwm.org/donate/.

    “This is an exceptional opportunity for the community to rally around families with sick children,” added Lindell Hoff, campaign co-chair. “This is one more way that Grand Rapids can show its hospitality to our friends from other cities and can add value to our exceptional medical community.