FAQ's
What is Ronald McDonald House of Delaware?
Ronald McDonald House is the not profit corporation that operates our “home away from home” for families with seriously or chronically ill or injured children ranging from newborn to age twenty one who must travel from home to area hospitals for specialized medical treatments and operates Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Bayhealth Medical Center, Christiana Care and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.
Are all Ronald McDonald Houses connected?
Ronald McDonald Houses are owned and operated by local chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC), based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Each local chapter is licensed by McDonald's Corporation and operates as an IRS-designated 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. While all chapters are part of the overall RMHC system, each is overseen at the local level by its own Board of Directors and is supported by individuals, organizations, businesses, and foundations within the local community.
What does Ronald McDonald House do for families?
In addition to providing safe and comfortable accommodations and a caring environment, Ronald McDonald House allows families to find a strong support system, establishing friendships with other families facing similar anxieties, hardships, and uncertainties. A family may stay at our House whether the child is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment.
What does a family staying at Ronald McDonald House of Delaware receive?
In 2010 the Ronald McDonald House served 2879 families. Each family that checks into the House has a private guest room with a private bath, phone with voicemail and TV. Wheelchair accessible rooms are also available. In addition the House is equipped with three computers with high speed internet throughout the House as well as wireless connection, fitness center, four different playrooms including a teen room, 5 station kitchen, library, state of the art media room and outside playgrounds. Every evening volunteer meal groups provide a hot evening meal and breakfast is provided on weekends.
How is the House operated?
Ronald McDonald House of Delaware is an independent, community supported, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. A 30 member Board of Directors governs the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware and is responsible for policy making, governance and financial oversight. The Board is comprised of community, medical and McDonald’s representatives. The Board hires the Executive Director who manages the ongoing operations including staffing, public relations, strategic planning and fund raising. In addition to the small staff of 11 we have 440 volunteers who cover daily and weekly shifts at the House, as well as provide help during our major fundraising events.
How much does it cost a family to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware?
Families are asked to donate $15 per night; however no family is ever turned away due to the inability to pay. On average it costs $65 a night to operate each guest room. In 2010 our average room donation was $6.76.
What is a Ronald McDonald Family Room?
In 1998 we expanded our programs beyond the doors of our House to include the first Ronald McDonald Family Room in Delaware located at Christiana Care. We currently operate 3 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Christiana Care, Bayhealth Medical Center and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. The Family Room, usually located just steps from neonatal and pediatric intensive care units is designed to be a quiet, comfortable place for families to rest, enjoy refreshments and use the computers to e-mail family and friends or do research on their child’s medical condition. Our Family Room at duPont Hospital for Children also includes showers and three overnight sleep rooms where families of the most critically ill children can have a place to sleep and still just be steps away from their hospitalized child. In 2010 over 23,000 families visited one of our 3 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.
Who provides the funding to support Ronald McDonald House of Delaware?
The vast majority of funding needed to operate the Ronald McDonald House is provided by communities served by the House - individuals, corporations, foundations, and civic groups, to name a few. Each House raises funds in a variety of ways, including special events, major gifts program, annual fund, grant requests, direct mail, planned giving, and Pop Tab programs. The Ronald McDonald House is also a partner agency with United Way and receives donor designated funds. To view our most recent audit please click here.
How can I help?
Donate – There are many ways to support the House financially. For additional information, contact Barbara Loeslein, Development Director, at 302-428-5331 or b.loeslein@rmhde.org.
Volunteer – Get involved! We always need volunteers at the House and for our special events and fundraisers. For more information contact Sara Funaiock, Volunteer Manager, at 302-428-5340 or s.funaiock@rmhde.org.
Collect Household Items – Donations of pantry and wish list items are always accepted. Click here for the most current list.
Host a House Activity – Plan a meal or activity for our families. These can include arts and crafts, game nights, parties, music or drama presentations, etc. For more information on hosting an activity click here.
Request a Speaker – We love to bring speakers out to area businesses and organizations to talk about the Ronald McDonald House. Contact Carol Sayles to schedule a speaker 302-428-5314 or c.sayles@rmhde.org.
Little known facts about our House:
We occupy a 57,000 square foot three story building.
The average length of stay is 4.9 days.
No one is turned away due to an inability to make a nominal contribution.
Top Medical Reasons families visit the House are for:
Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery (Scoliosis, Dwarfism, Spina Bifida)
PICU/NICU/Respiratory/Pneumonia
GI/Endocrine/Urology
Cardiac/Organ Transplant/Bone Marrow Transplant
General Surgery
The House relies on private donations for funding. Volunteers, in-kind and cash donations are always welcome. All donations are used locally.
