Tuesday, April 19, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Presbyterian Healthcare announced today its gift of $750,000 to support the opening of the area’s first Ronald McDonald House. The donation fills the fundraising gap that was left from the campaign and allows the house to open on May 9 with all capital expenses covered.
Presbyterian Healthcare’s gift represents the collaboration of Presbyterian Hospital with the Physicians’ Impact Fund (a fund created by physicians to pool resources to give back to support healthcare projects in the region) and Hemby Cup (an annual hockey fundraising event founded by Microsoft and benefiting Hemby Children's Hospital)
While the majority of the dollars will be accounted for through Ronald McDonald House’s capital expenses, a portion will be used to purchase a vehicle to shuttle families back and forth to the hospital. “Many families who come to stay at Ronald McDonald House come in distress,” said Mark Billings, president, Presbyterian Healthcare. “Their loved one is in the hospital, and they’re overwhelmed by the unknowns – how long they’ll be there, where they can go for support. By providing hospital transportation, we’re able to alleviate one of the unknowns for them so that they can spend more time focusing on their loved one instead of the logistics of being in a foreign place.”
And while the gift to the house was made in Presbyterian’s name, Billings is quick to point out that the contribution was made possible due to the synergies felt between the three organizations. “Microsoft and the Physicians’ Impact Fund are tremendous community partners because they share our vision for improving the health of the community, one person at a time,” he said. “We couldn’t be more proud to partner with them in support of Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.”
According to Mona Johnson-Gibson, executive director, Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Presbyterian Healthcare’s donation helped complete the puzzle. “Thanks to Presbyterian’s generosity we’re now positioned for success from day one.”
