Guidance for Child Reps when Children are Ill or Disabled   March 15, 2017       Mark Shouger House Director Ronald McDonald House® near Lurie Children’s

Background Florida native and Florida GATOR “under” 30-year hotel management career with Hyatt, Loews and theWit Hotel Chicago Volunteer and volunteer board with Ronald McDonald House® in Orlando, DC and Chicago Involved, locally, with Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Chicago LOOP Alliance, Streeterville Chamber of Commerce, NBC 5 Community Action Board

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) cares for families of children with complex medical needs by providing comfort, compassion, and a sense of community. RMHC-CNI keeps families together in a ‘home away from home’. Learn more about the Charity’s core programs and services below: Five Local Ronald McDonald Houses® Our five Ronald McDonald Houses provide a ‘home away from home’ to keep families together while their child is in the hospital. Every night, 153 families are able to heal together because of the comfort, compassion and community found at each of our Ronald McDonald Houses®.  Houses allow  families to eat, sleep and find the emotional support they need - just blocks from where their child is being treated. This year, we’ll provide over 43,000 nights to families during their greatest hours of  need. While we suggest a donation of $10 per night, no family is ever turned away if they are unable to pay. Three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® Our three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a haven of respite and hospitality for families whose children and newborns are receiving treatment. Located within the pediatric unit and featuring private sleep rooms with showers, a kitchenette, TV, and sitting areas, the space provides a home-like atmosphere, allowing families a moment to rest and rejuvenate. Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® Our Care Mobile program, in partnership with Advocate Children’s Hospital, provides essential health services to children in under-served areas in a mobile environment. Children receive check-ups, immunizations, and referrals for specialty care, including asthma, cardiology, and allergies. Our goal is to find a “health care home” for all the children seen on the Care Mobile.  Scholarship Program Now in its tenth year, the RMHC-CNI Scholarship Program provides $4,000/year, renewable scholarships to academically outstanding, community-minded and economically challenged young people.

How People Help Special Event Volunteers During the year, RMHC-CNI hosts several major fundraising events including a gala, golf tournament and several other sporting events. These events require a number of volunteers to make the day special and enjoyable for everyone. Volunteers may assist with setup, registration, raffle sales, clean up and more Meals from the Heart Volunteers Like many homes, the kitchen is the heart of our Houses. After a long day at the hospital, many families are in need of a home-cooked meal. Meals from the Heart volunteers work as a group to plan the menu in our full-service kitchens, allowing families to find nourishment and comfort as they share a meal together. Family Program Volunteers Family Program Volunteers provide special activities at the House such as baking, arts and crafts, yoga, massage and much more, The possibilities are endless for our Family Program volunteers to share their time and talents. Individual Shift Volunteers Individual Volunteers cover a minimum of one shift per month at the House in support roles ranging from greeters to ambassadors to House refreshers and kitchen helpers. We typically operate at a ratio of 1 staff person to every 15 volunteers, daily.

FACTS & NOTES Children heal 31% faster when their family can be around them RMH® in Chicago was the 2nd Ronald McDonald House opened, in 1977, and there are now 365 around the world in addition to the other, complimentary programs Video Q & A