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April 2015 
| Vol 7, Issue 4
eNews
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio
Not Facing Life Alone at RMHC
Sarah Varner, 14, is facing an ongoing battle, but she isn't facing it alone. She has been staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House for the past two weeks, as she is receiving assistance from Nationwide Children's Hospital to overcome an eating disorder. Due to this psychological illness, she has lost 62 pounds from under eating. 

Fortunately, the medical staff explained that Sarah is in a position where food can be her medication. They have crafted a specific dietary regiment for her that will guide her back to excellent health. Her schedule for treatment is extensive, taking up the majority of each day, but with it, she can be home in 2-4 weeks. Now it's all about focusing on those goals, which have come a lot easier with all of the encouragement she has received.

 

Being from Bridgeport, Ohio, it was a two hour drive to Columbus. Though in a stressful situation, Alyssa, Sarah's mother, stayed positive. She has been using the Columbus Ronald McDonald House for her children for 23 years, and has always found it to be a home-away-from-home. 

 

Sarah has found things to be a lot easier when she takes her mind off of the issue at hand. Instead of focusing so much on the difficulties she's facing, she directs her attention to positive things. A lot of the rooms at RMHC have been enjoyable for Sarah. Her favorites are the Blue Jackets Zone in the basement where she can play video games, music room, movie theatre, but above all, the library. Sarah is infatuated with reading and is a phenomenal student, currently holding a 4.0 GPA. She faced a dilemma trying to decide which book to read after narrowing it down to four. She was very pleased to find out she was allowed to bring all four books home with her.

 

Without RMHC of Central Ohio, Alyssa said "I wouldn't know where to go or know what to do". The positivity amongst the volunteers and staff is amazing. Sarah met a friend with the same name as her mom and instantly clicked. Both having an eating disorder, they push each other to keep improving towards a full recovery. She says it's been nice to have someone who can relate and help keep her mind off of the negative things. We are keeping Sarah in our thoughts! 

 

If someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can learn more about Nationwide Children's Hospital Eating Disorders Program by clicking here.
The Big Give is Back - Tuesday, May 12th, 10 a.m. EST

Amplify your support for families of seriously-ill children at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House through The Big Give! The Columbus Foundation is providing a $1.3 million bonus pool for donations given to local charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.


This 24 hour campaign will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12th and ends on May 13th at 10:00 a.m.  

 

Funds from the bonus pool will be distributed on a pro rata basis to area charities. In addition, all credit card fees are covered by The Columbus Foundation so 100% of your donations go directly to supporting families of seriously ill children being treated at Central Ohio hospitals.  

  1. Starting on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. EST, visit columbusfoundation.org.
  2. Make a minimum credit card gift of $20 using a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) to RMHC of Central Ohio through PowerPhilanthropy�. If you are a Columbus Foundation donor, you can make a grant to the nonprofit of your choice using your Donor Advised Fund or Supporting Foundation, with a minimum of $100.
  3. Everyone making a donation will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of their donation.
  4. Donations, once made, cannot be rescinded.
  5. The bonus pool percentage ratio and preliminary results will be posted on columbusfoundation.org on Thursday, May 14th.
Sponsor RMHC Special Events in 2015

Make a difference in the lives of families of seriously ill children staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House by becoming a special event sponsor. Our partners receive participation opportunities and recognition at 5 RMHC of Central Ohio events throughout the year. With sponsorship levels ranging from $3,000 to $50,000, you or your company can get involved at any level. Click here to view the 2015 RMHC Sponsorship Package. For questions on becoming a sponsor, please contact Jamie Foltz at [email protected] or call 614-227-3740. 

 

2015 RMHC Special Events

  • Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic - July 13th
  • Dig It for the House - August 29th
  • Paint the Town Center Red - September 11th
  • Sporting Clays - October 2nd & 3rd
  • A Toast to Tinseltown - October 21st
Special Event Volunteers Needed!
Volunteer at the Cap City Half Marathon

Saturday, May 2nd, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Be a key player in keeping the excitement and momentum going on the course! Paint your faces, wear silly clothes - wear RMHC colors, make banners and posters with fun sayings, etc. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and will be given a long-sleeved "race crew" shirt as a thank you for your support! Please email Kate Ziegler to sign up!

 

Volunteer at the Midwest Haunter's Convention After Party 

Friday, May 29th

We need 3-5 volunteers to work a beer truck at the Midwest Haunter's Convention After Party at Haunted Hoochie in Pataskala, Ohio. Please email Kate Ziegler to volunteer! 

 
Volunteer at the Corporate Challenge 5k

Saturday, May 30th

Volunteers are needed on May 30th to help during the race with activities such as water distribution to runners, metal distribution and race-day packet pickup. Volunteers can sign-up to help by clicking here.

 

Volunteer at The Color Run  

Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th
Volunteers are needed for packet pick-up, tossing color, and handing out water to runners. Click here to register to volunteer for The Color Run

Call Kate Ziegler, Volunteer Director, at 614-227-1107 or email [email protected] to learn more about other upcoming RMHC volunteer opportunities!

29th Annual RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic, July 13th

Join our Honorary Chairs Coach Thad and Barbara Matta, and Coach Urban and Shelley Meyer for the 29th Annual RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic, Presented by Motorists Insurance. Proceeds from the outing will help RMHC of Central Ohio provide a home-away-from-home at the Ronald McDonald House for families of seriously ill children and access to healthcare for children in underserved areas through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program.

 

 

Register today to reserve your spot in the 2015 RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic! Individuals interested in purchasing a foursome for the event can click here to download the registration form. Once completed, please email this form to Meredith Harrison, at [email protected].

Ladies' First Tee, May 14th

Help us get more ladies teeing-off at the 29th Annual RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic and learn more by joining us for a fun golf-themed event! Free to attend.

 

Wine & Cheese Reception & Trunk Show

Featuring the latest in ladies' golf apparel

Ronald McDonald House Rooftop Garden

711 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43205

May 14, 2015

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

RSVP by May 8th to Meredith Harrison, 614-227-6039 or email [email protected].

RMHC Joe Mortellaro Junior Golf Tournament, June 15th, Mount Vernon Country Club

Each team will consist of 2 adult golfers and 2 junior golfers (aged 16 or under). You may register as a twosome (1 adult and 1 junior) to be randomly paired with another adult/junior twosome, OR you may register as a foursome (2 adults and 2 juniors). There is no entry fee for the tournament, but we ask that each team raise a minimum of $500 for RMHC of Central Ohio. The top 3 teams that raise the most funds for RMHC of Central Ohio will receive special prizes. The team that raises the most money will be invited to participate in the 29th Annual Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic on Monday, July 13th, 2015, AND attend the banquet that evening, with a seat next to Honorary Co-Chairs, Coach Urban Meyer and Coach Thad Matta.

 

There are a limited number of teams available, so register today to reserve your spot

For more information, please contact Meredith Harrison, Strategic Partnerships Manager, at 614-227-6039 or email [email protected].    
Wish List
Email [email protected] for more.

Top 10 Needs 

    Gas Cards

    Dryer Sheets

    Wet Swiffer Pads

    Large Foil Roasting Pans

    Gift Cards to Retail Stores - Target, WalMart, Giant Eagle

    Trash Bags - Tall Kitchen and 55 Gallon

    White Bath Towels

    Individual Boxed Cereal

    8 � x 11 White Copy Paper

    White hand towels


Community Fundraisers 
Lovin #forRMHC
Now through May 10 help families find strength by purchasing a $1, $3 or $5 Heart at a participating McDonald's as part of the Lovin' #forRMHC campaign. For more information, please contact Mackenzie Schuler, Communications Manager at 614-227-6036 or email [email protected].
Fashion Forward for Charity
Donate your clothes to Fashion Forward for Charity, and 50% of each item of
both men's and women's clothing, shoes, and handbags will be donated back to RMHC of Central Ohio. You can put the donation bags in your mailbox, drop them in the USPS dropbox, or you can schedule a free UPS pick-up. If you would like to donate, please contact Mackenzie Schuler.


pARTy Studio - Kindness with Canvases Fundraiser

Enjoy an evening of painting and your favorite wine with a group of friends or family at the pARTy Studio in Worthington on Thursday, May 14th. Complimentary appetizers and drinks will be served from Sidebar Global Catering. Your $45 registration fee includes a painting to take home, step by step directions, refreshments and fun. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. Click here to register.

Midwest Haunter's Convention - Zombie Walk

Make your way downtown to the Convention Center on Friday, May 20th for an evening of spooky exercise! Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with zombie costume prep. The 1 mile walk starts at 7 p.m. Food trucks and other entertainment will be on site for the event. For more information on the Midwest Haunters Convention, please contact Carly Damman, Community Partnerships Associate.

Corporate Challenge 5k

Gather your co-workers and come out to the First Annual Corporate Challenge 5k benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio on Saturday, May 30th. Companies, nonprofits, individuals and government agencies are all invited and encouraged to participate in this exciting event happening in Downtown Columbus. Click here to register. For more information on this event, please contact Carly Damman.

 

Meal Teams, We Need Your Help!
Click on the apple to view our meal calendar

Families at the Ronald McDonald House depend on the generosity of people like you to provide, prepare and serve meals each and every night.


There are several upcoming dates without a scheduled dinner, and our families need your help. If you are able to help, click on this link. For more information, please contact Meika Willis, Volunteer Manager at [email protected]
 or 614-227-6032.

 

Dinners Needed in May:

May 5th, 25th 28th


Giving Hope for Years to Come

"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."


You can leave a legacy and ensure Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio exists for years to come.
Planned Giving represents an opportunity for you to achieve your long-term philanthropy goals through a careful, thoughtful process. Through this process you may discover that you can make a larger gift to the Ronald McDonald House than you thought possible. Please consider speaking to your financial planner or estate attorney to discuss how you can support RMHC of Central Ohio in a way that is most comfortable for you. To learn more about the benefits of gift planning and giving options that could work for you, please contact Angela Hartley, Senior Development Director at (614) 227-3777 or [email protected].
Run for Team RMHC
Join Ronald McDonald House's charity running team, Team RMHC! Team RMHC participants are training for the Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon on Oct. 18th while fundraising for families staying at RMHC of Central Ohio. Along the way, you'll receive great incentive prizes, train with Marathoner in Training (MIT) for FREE, meet new friends and make a difference in the lives of families of seriously ill children! Sign up here. Contact Carly Damman for further questions.
The National Board Paves the Way for RMHC Families

One day, a mom and a dad will walk out of their child's hospital room with heavy hearts and seek solitude together in the Safelite Serenity Rooftop Garden of the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. There, dozens of engraved pavers will line the walkway and represent to those parents that a community cares about them and their child.

 

The National Board has been tied to the good works of the Columbus Ronald McDonald House through the volunteerism of its employees and collecting items for the Wish List during the holidays.

 

This is why The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors is honored to be one of hundreds of donors who support the selfless cause of the Columbus Ronald McDonald House through participation in its rooftop garden paver program.

 

If you are looking for a wonderful way to support families of seriously-ill children and you want to be a permanent part of the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world, consider purchasing a paver for the Safelite AutoGlass Serenity Rooftop Garden. Your support will help provide nights of rest for families. For more information about additional naming opportunities, please contact Darla Stover, Development Manager, at 614-227-6033 or e-mail at [email protected].  

Quick Links
Volunteer
You can become a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and make a difference. To learn more and apply, click here.
Expansion
The Ronald McDonald House has grown!
Click here to learn more about how you can help us build more stories of hope.
Donate a Vehicle 
Donate a car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle, tractor, or any other vehicle and help sick kids. Click here
to donate today.
Stay Connected
[email protected]
614-227-3700