MG2010 West: Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest

Since 1979, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMHC-UM) and our cornerstone program, Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cites has provided a home-away-from home for families whose children are receiving medical treatment in the Twin Cities for life threatening illness. In addition to providing lodging for 48 families on any given night, our innovative programs create a sense of community and encouragement for families facing critical pediatric illness. It truly is a home-away-from home. RMHC-UM also extends support to children and families who live "beyond its doors" through outreach programs like the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile ®. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is a 40-foot, 26,000 pound vehicle built specifically to deliver pediatric dental services to underserved communities. 2010 promises to be an exciting year of growth for RMHC-UM. Plans to open the Ronald McDonald "House inside the hospital" at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN are well underway. This exciting project will include 16 guestrooms, a kitchen, a hospitality center and even an outdoor patio. Opening this facility will also allow us to continue our commitment to provide services to local Twin Cities families. The "House inside the hospital" is slated to open in October, 2010. Families come to stay with us at the Ronald McDonald House from across Minnesota, the United States and around the world.

39% of families are from MN.

41% are from the surrounding 4 states.

19% are from the remaining United States.

1% are International.

In 2009, 432 families made 723 visits to the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities, totaling 17,381 nights of lodging.