A year of great beginningsAs I look back on my first year as CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington, I am not only humbled by what our volunteers and staff have accomplished, but I am also thrilled about what's to come. Because not only was 2014 my first year at RMHC, but 2014 was also the year of so many great beginnings. We began a much-needed remodel at our East House, and by this summer our 17-year-old building will be even more inviting and comforting for our guests. Our outdoor area will be transformed into a magical play space, complete with an outdoor theater and wheelchair-accessible tree house. At our West House, we began planning for a new building that will increase capacity by 20% in 2018. We also began discussions with several hospital partners about the development of our very first Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and this year we will get to see them open to thousands of seriously ill children and their families in both Portland and Springfield, Oregon. In addition to all of these new beginnings, we also excelled in what we do best - providing a "home away from home" for families with seriously ill children. In the past year, we served a record-breaking 2,052 families for 16,087 nights. After one year at RMHC, I am more committed than ever to drive our mission forward. In our recent guest survey, one parent wrote, "I had no idea how beautiful this place was. I am overwhelmed. Thank you all for this gift you have given us families in our time of stress and fear for our children." In 2015, we will continue to offer beautiful spaces, provide comfort, and alleviate stress and anxiety so families can focus on what's most important - the health of their child.Thank you for welcoming me into this incredibly special home away from home. I simply cannot wait for what's to come!
