The $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities supported our House Heroes program, allowing Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona to provide 467 nights of rest for families caring for their child at one of the Valley’s premiere hospitals. While the COVID pandemic caused increased expenses and cancelled two signature fundraising events, support from Thunderbirds Charities helped ensure families were able to stay together during their child’s health crisis.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities to our organization and other communities across Arizona,” said RMHCCNAZ CEO, Kerry Schulman. “Pediatric illness does not stop or slow during a pandemic, which means that the need for a place for families to rest and rejuvenate while their child receives necessary medical treatment must continue. This grant from Thunderbirds Charities gives us the resources to do so.”

Families who turn to RMHCCNAZ receive:

*A “home-away-from-home.” Families stay in comfortable private rooms with access to complimentary laundry facilities, community kitchen and pantry, dining room, family room, indoor and outdoor play areas, library, and Wi-Fi.

*A warm meal. Volunteers donate food and prepare nightly meals as part of our Dinnertime Heroes program. (While families are still fed, we have paused volunteer opportunities due to distancing measures. We hope to resume this program in 2021.)

*Ongoing support. Staff, volunteers, and other families contribute to a positive environment during a stressful time. Families often talk to each other about their struggles, offer words of encouragement, and know they are not alone.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona

This grant is part of the Fall 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.