Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania

Due to high occupancy and frequent wait lists at the House, the Board of Directors of RMHC of Central PA has announced plans for a 15 bedroom expansion of the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey. With the recent announcement that a free standing children's hospital will be built on the Hershey Medical Center campus, this project is all the more timely and necessary. The building project will also include a much needed increase in common area rooms--a second kitchen and dining room, playroom, computer room, office space, and much more. The cost of the project is $4.8 million. Please contact Kathy Denton (717-533-4001) or email kathydenton@comcast.net (RMHC Executive Director) for more information on this exciting venture!

LOCAL TEENS RALLY COMMUNITY TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHTER FOR HOUSE FAMILIES

Chris Gurreri, friend Caitlin Reagan, and his sister Emily, of York PA, collected a vast assortment of toys and games, as well as over $4,000 in cash for the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey. The holiday donations were gathered in memory of Chris's brother, Jacob, who passed away in 2005. Thanks for helping to make the holidays special for all of our House families!

Left to right: Patrick Brame, Boston Celtic's Guard, Gabe Pruitt, and Sean Brame share a moment courtesy of NBA Cares and Southwest Airlines Shoot for Hope program. The Brame brothers, along with their Dad, Mike, were treated to a VIP experience in Boston, in November. The Shoot for Hope program gives families who stay at Ronald McDonald House an opportunity to meet their favorite NBA players. The Brames, former guests of Ronald McDonald House of Hershey, spent many weeks at the House while Sean recovered from sepsis and multiple amputations at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

Brenda Pettersen, one of the original founders of the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey, is being honored as the York County recipient of the 2008 Jefferson Award for Public Service. The awards recognize the countless private individuals who are performing extraordinary public services in their local communities. In 1982, Brenda began making the dream of the Ronald McDonald House of Hershey come true. She assumed a leadership position before ground was even broken for the House and has been the heart and soul ever since. No other individual has done so much or given so selflessly throughout the course of this organization’s history. Congratulations Brenda, and thanks for all you do on behalf of everyone who benefits from RMHC of Central PA!

Over $90,000 was raised to support children and families during times of severe medical crisis. Please save the date to be part of next year's Moonlight Gala--Saturday October 11, 2008.

Pet Therapy at the Ronald McDonald House

House volunteers come in all shapes, sizes and breeds! Thanks to a dozen local pet owners, we have pet therapy at the House several nights every week. Kids and adults love to greet our furry friends and the interaction helps to relieve stress and makes the House feel more like a home. All pets and owners are certified through Therapy Dogs International or the American Red Cross Animal Assisted Therapy program. Pictured below are just a few of our friendly pups!