Announcements:
Mark your calendars for VLR first social of the year - tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 19. Stay tuned for more details!
Speaker at our meeting of 8/27/2024 -
Billy Sorochak, CEO/Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charity of the Coastal Empire
He shared the history of the organization and the good works that they do for the families of critically ill or injured children. "The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is to create, find and support programs that directly enhance the health and well-being of children and families.". It all began when Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill's 3 year old daughter was being treated for leukemia in 1974. The team offered support, raising funds, to Dr Audrey Evans, head of pediatric oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who dreamed of having comfortable temporary housing for the families of children being treated at the hospital. In 1974 the first house opened, and since then there are 386 RMH's. July 15, 1987 the house in Savannah GA opened. Each RMH is independent and each is 501C3. The Savannah House is on the Memorial Campus, where children (ages new born to 22 years of age) are treated for every critical illness and injury - not just cancer. The House is open 24/7 and did not close even during Covid. There is a wait list to get in. The average stay is 16 - 20 days with the longest stay that has been 253 days. The Charity still gets funding from McDonalds - 8 owner operators of 61 stores through Round up, 1 cent for every Happy Meal, etc. They also have two frundraisers coming up - a 2 day Beer/Guys/Cigars/Golf & Casino on Sept 15 - 16 event and Wine & Fries on December 5 at the House.
Per President Jacob, Mr. Sorochak shared that they would welcome any donated supplies for the facility: Such items as HE laundry detergent and Lysol are always needed. Suzi Oliver has offered to deliver and donated items brought to our weekly meetings.
Check out www.rmhccoastalempire.org for more information about this wonderful charity.