This is the House where families meet,
                                To continue their lives, to eat and sleep
                              To find their strengths and dry their tears,
                              To look forward with hope to better years,
                             This is the House that becomes their home,
                                   This is the House that love built.


Mission:
The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass, Inc. is to own
and operate a “home away from home” for children and their families who come to
Lexington for medical treatment and to support health related programs and projects
for Kentucky’s children.

History:
The idea of a home for families of hospital patients first developed in Philadelphia, PA
in 1973. Fred Hill, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles football team learned that his
daughter had leukemia. During the course of successful treatment, Hill and his team
members and management asked what they could do to help the children’s hospital.
The idea of a place for children’s families to stay was born at that time. The Eagles
football team worked together with the local McDonald’s stores to raise funds, and
eventually a home was opened in Philadelphia. That House became the first Ronald
McDonald House in the country. Today there are local chapters in 48 countries and
254 programs in 28 countries.

In Lexington, the same need was recognized by doctors and parents of children who
had undergone treatment in area hospitals. The Fayette County Medical Society and
Auxiliary, parents, McDonald’s representatives and other volunteers formed a non-
profit organization called Children’s Oncology Services of the Bluegrass, Inc. It’s
purpose was to establish and operate the Ronald McDonald House of Lexington.
COS is now called Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.

Today’s House:
The Lexington Ronald McDonald House continues to provide a “home away from home”
for families with children being treated at local hospitals. At the House, families find
comfort and support as well as a comfortable place to stay with kitchen, laundry and
indoor and outdoor play facilities. The House has only three full-time employees: an
Executive Director, House Manager and Business Manager. Much of the House’s work
is done by dedicated volunteers.

The Ronald McDonald House accepts referrals from area hospitals and medical centers.
Families staying at the House for the first time must be referred by a physician or
hospital/medical center personnel. Referrals must be of families of children 18 years
and under that are being treated. Up to four immediate family members may stay in a
room. Because of space limitations, only one room is available per family. All rooms
are assigned a daily chore to be done by someone staying in that room. A daily fee of
$10 is charged if families can afford to pay. A $5 key deposit is charged and returned at
check-out.

How to Help:
You can help in three ways: volunteer, donate or help tell our story.

Volunteers are essential to the operation of the Ronald McDonald House. This year,
over 400 volunteers will give their time and talents to maintain the House and grounds,
provide services for the guest families, and provide the funding necessary to make it all
possible. If you are interested in volunteering, call 268-0757 or 268-8683. You can also
email at rmhc@insightbb.com

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass is a non-profit organization and
receives no United Way or government funding. The House relies on individual and
corporate donations in order to keep the doors open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
About 80% of funding for the House is raised from the generosity of the community
through fundraising events, individual contributions, corporate and foundation
donations, and McDonald’s Restaurant fundraisers. Please feel free to call the Executive
Director, Sarah Warner, at 859-266-8683 or email rmhc2@insightbb.com to discuss
making a donation.

Like so many good stories, the House is not told often enough. Many in the community
don’t know about the House, the great need that it fills, or the great volunteer
opportunities that is offered. If you belong to a group that looks for speakers and
positive messages, the House would appreciate an invitation to share their story. Call
266-8683 or 268-0747 to schedule.

For more information,

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass
1300 Sports Center Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40502
859-268-0757
Email: rmhc@insightbb.com

Sarah S. Warner, Executive Director
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass
859-266-8683 direct
859-266-6771 fax

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 22414
Lexington, Kentucky 40522