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Greetings!

Happy New Year from the Ronald McDonald House of Providence.  As we begin this year, we would like to share some updates on the organization, highlight upcoming events, and thank of our generous supporters.  
State of the House 
Throughout 2008 we had over 270 families stay at the House and an additional 871 families enjoyed the comfort of the Family Room.
  
Although we served many families, we saw the demand for our services dramatically increase.  In fact, the House had a waiting list for most of November and December.  At one point, we had seven families waiting to stay with us so they could remain close to their sick child.
 
Special Thanks

In 2008, we received help from almost 120 volunteers who donated over 9,200 hours of their time and talents. In addition, we raised over $600,000 through personal donations, grants, corporate support and special events.  This figure does not include the in-kind donations that we receieve on a daily basis. 

We offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the House and Family Room in 2008.  Without you, the Ronald McDonald House of Providence would not be available to the hundreds of families who utilize our services.  THANK YOU. 

Areas of Emphasis for 2009
  
In 2009 we will focus on the following goals:
 
1.  Ensure Most Efficient use of Existing Space at the House:  Over the past three years the number of families we serve and our wait list have climbed steadily.  With this information, we identified some areas within the House where spaces could be reconfigured into guest suites. 

2.  Improve Hospital Relationships Through Planned and Proactive Communications: Although we maintain contact with neighboring hospitals, we need a more targeted communications effort so the House can continue to meet the needs of patients' families. 

3.  Increase Fundraising Efforts to Meet Current Needs:  In addition to the expansion plans above, the House has maintenance needs that should not be deferred.  As a result, we must increase fundraising to cover these expenses and maintain a healthy financial position. 
Hearts of Gold
Wine & ChocolateJoin us for our annual wine and chocolate event on February 10th from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.  This celebration features gifts that are perfect for your or your sweetheart and is generously hosted by Gracie's Restaurant.
 
The evening includes:
-Wine & Chocolate Tastings with products available to purchase
-Passed Appetizers
-Live Entertainment
-A Valentine's Themed Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes
 
Tickets are $30 for individuals or $50 per couple.  
 
To reserve tickets please click here or call 401-274-4447. 
Celebrate 20 in 2009
In 2009 the House will mark its 20th Anniversary of providing temporary shelter for families with hospitialized children.  
 
To commerate this important date we will hold a celebration at Roger Williams Casino. 
 
Our Honorary Chairs are:
Mrs. Jeanette Bucci - a founding Board President
Nick, Ron, & Pete Cardi -  for 20 years of generous support 
 
Colleen Dickson and Lew Hassell will Chair the celebration.  The first planning session takes place at the House on February 3, at 5:30 pm. We are still looking for additional volunteers to serve on the Celebration committee.  If you are interested, please call Jill at 401-274-4447 x.27.
2008 Statistics Overview
                                                       2008                   2007

 

Total Nights Provided                4,640          4,616

Total Families Served                271             248   

Average Length of Stay             12.1 days    12.3 days

 

Nights with Wait List                 227             156

Number of Families                    109             74

 
Family Room Visits                    4,162           N/A
Registered Families                   871              N/A
 
Volunteers                              119              108
Volunteer Hours                       9,283            8,277
Ronald McDonald House of Providence
45 Gay Street
Providence, RI 02905
401-274-4447

done

 
In This Issue
State of the House
Special Thanks
Goals for 2009
20th Anniversary
2008 Overview

Save the Date

Hearts of Gold
February 10
 
 Walk Festival
  May 3 
 
Holewiak Bike Run
July 11 & 12
 
End of Summer Clambake
September 13 
 
Women's Classic
October 9
 

Wish List Items

We currently need:
 
-Stop & Shop gift cards
 
-Wal Mart gift cards
 
-Tin foil
 
-Kitchen trash bags
 
-Ketchup
 
-Paper towels
 
-42 cent stamps, self adhesive
 
-Copy Paper, white or colors
 
-Cardstock, white or colors
 
-HP 02 ink cartridges (all colors)
 
For the complete Wish List, please click here.
 

HURRAH
Contest

The Ronald McDonald House in Providence is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and to help celebrate this birthday, McDonald's is holding a special HURRAH contest for kids starting in mid February.

 
One participant child will be chosen as the winner of a Fenway Prize Pack, along with Happy Meals for a whole year! The winner will get to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park next summer and be honored as the HURRAH Ambassador on the field!
 
Remember to watch for additional information, full rules and instructions, at the contest web site.

Please note this site may not be active until the middle of February

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