Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville

Upcoming Concert to Benefit the House

Ralston Rita — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:30:44 +0000

We thought you would like to know that Black Voices, the amazing gospel choir from UVa, will have a performance at 4 pm on Saturday, the 25^th, at University Baptist Church. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the House. We are so appreciative of their support, and we encourage all of you who can do so to attend. It will be a musical experience of the heart you won’t soon forget.

A Valentine’s Message

Ralston Rita — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:04:05 +0000

We received the sweetest Valentine’s card today. On the back of the adorable pictures was written: “Harper was a surgical PICU patient in Sept. 2010. We (my husband and I) were able to stay at RMH for over a week and we will be forever grateful for those accommodations. Harper is a happy and healthy 20 mo. old today! Thank you!” What a wonderful message to receive on this day of the heart but one sent from the heart. We send a similar message to all of you – thanking you for your abiding support and good wishes. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Remember to Watch the Super Bowl Ad

Ralston Rita — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:16:34 +0000

Remember, Everyone, to watch the Super Bowl programming tonight between 6:00 and 6:20 pm to see the RMHC ad. You will be touched by the story of little Anastacio and his family. Have a great evening, and enjoy the game.

A Perfect Message

Ralston Rita — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:03:17 +0000

This little bit of pure LOVE is holding up a message for all of you who so generously give of your time, talents, and treasures to help the House. We’ve had wonderful meals this week from Angela L. & Family, a group representing Military Forces and DIA (a fabulous Italian Night – yum!!), McDonald’s on Ridge & McIntire (they feed us every Tuesday night!), Cherry Ave. Christian Church (always generous to the House), Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church (another faithful partner in our mission), and Bonnie F. (who started our taste buds twitching at 7 am this morning when she plugged in the crock pot!). We’ve also received donations of wish list items, pop tabs, books, and needed dollars. Our little friend expresses it best: “Thank you for helping the Ronald McDonald House!”

A “Super” Opportunity

Ralston Rita — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:01:11 +0000

We are so excited. We just received word that there will be a commercial for Ronald McDonald House Charities airing between 6:00 and 6:20 pm on Super Bowl Sunday. The intent is to celebrate the work done by all of the RMH’s around the world, and the commercial is very generously sponsored by McDonald’s and all of the Owner-Operators. It will tell the story of liitle Anastacio, his family, and his 3 year battle with leukemia. Like the little ones and their families who stay with us, they are an inspiration. We hope you have the opportunity to see it Sunday night.

Grace under Pressure

Ralston Rita — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:59:46 +0000

We received the nicest gift last Friday. One of our former families had to rush back to Charlottesville, as their little one needed immediate medical attention. Grandmom was not far behind, but before she left home she grabbed a jar of her homemade cinnamon bark candy to bring to our staff. That thoughtfulness amidst turmoil says volumes about Grandmom, and it also makes the cinnamon bark an especially sweet treat. We will enjoy – and truly appreciate – every crystal of it!

High “Velocity”

Ralston Rita — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:53:41 +0000

If you are considering Verizon for your technology needs, you may find this interesting. Apparently, Verizon will make a donation to the House if the customer opts to participate in their Velocity plan and provides them with our code number – 13897. We just received this flyer today and thought we would pass it along.

Thank You, Ladies!

Ralston Rita — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:48:31 +0000

We received a wonderful visit today from the Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha. This writer remembers the year – 1974 – when 18 young and talented women began this sorority at the University. Their commitment to the goals of sisterhood, intelligence, grace, and service has been consistent since that time. This morning members arrived at the House with a HUGE donation of snack foods from the Wish List. Thank you, Ladies, for your faithful service to the House and for your thoughtful shopping.

A Star Shines at the House

Ralston Rita — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:45:11 +0000

We had a WONDERFUL time at the House last night (Thursday night). Ralph Covert, of Ralph’s World and the upcoming Time Machine Guitar, came to the House to provide a special concert for our little people. It was fabulous. He is so good with the kiddos. But to tell you the truth, we think he is just as phenomenal with the big people. He had everyone laughing and singing – folks who needed a good laugh and a bit of down time. It was a truly special evening. We extend a very sincere thank you to Ralph and his support folks for thinking of us, and for giving us such a wonderful memory. We will never forget it. (We have a short video on our Fb page for your enjoyment.)

Thursday Advice

Ralston Rita — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:20:37 +0000

We were reading an article on stress that came to us in an email this morning. Basically, it stated that we needed to approach difficult situations in our lives by moving pebbles, not mountains. The latter are too overwhelming, and we’ll either give up or simply crumble under the weight. It reminded us of one of our parents who told us recently that she just couldn’t take it all in, it was too much. So, she decided to put aside the things over which she had no control, and to focus on those things that she could change. She said she planned to seek some spiritual tranquility to bridge the gap between the two. We thought that seemed rather brilliant and reasoned. And so, we wish you “manageable pebbles” this evening, and a bit of peace to soothe the things that are beyond your control. This seems like good advice for a rather BUSY Thursday.