The evening’s activities included a sing-a-long with dancing
Volunteers, staff and their families spent the night at the newly expanded Ronald McDonald House in Durham last Friday night. Guests were tasked with testing out the systems and appliances (outlets, ceiling fans and lights, air conditioning, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, stove, etc.) in the 28 new suites that will soon house families with critically ill children who are receiving treatment at Duke Hospital.
Sleepover guests also raised more than $40,000 toward the purchase of furnishings for the suites, which currently have only beds and appliances.
“We still need to raise more than $300,000 to fully furnish the suites with everything from pillows to pots and pans, as well as couches, dressers and bedside tables,” says Oie Osterkamp, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House.
With a nod to Ronald McDonald himself, guests sported red shoes in celebration of entering the final stages of the $7.2 million capital campaign.
“We need to raise $800,000 more for the campaign but, with such a caring community, we’re confident that we’ll meet our goal," Oie says.
Festivities of the evening included the first meal served out of the newly renovated kitchen, followed by a sing-a-long and movie with popcorn in the new Community Room.
To help make the Ronald McDonald House a welcoming home for families with sick children, visit their website for a link to wish lists at Target and Amazon.
