The Ronald McDonald House of Durham is set to host its 14th annual Winterfest Gala on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Angus Barn Pavilion (9401 Glenwood Ave.) in Raleigh.
The theme of this year's event is "Sweet Coastal Nights" and will be hosted by Duke Football Coach David Cutcliffe and ABC11 Eyewitness News Co-Anchor Steve Daniels. About 450 guests will don beachwear (think seersucker, bow ties, sun dresses and espadrilles) and enjoy a scrumptious dinner provided by Executive Chef Walter Royal of The Angus Barn. There will also be live beach music performed by The Embers.
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of Winterfest,” Coach Cutcliffe says. “I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous positive impact that the Ronald McDonald House has on the children and families it serves. It’s an honor to help raise funds and awareness for such a worthy cause.”
There will also be silent and live auctions, as well as Winterfest's famous Wall of Wine. All proceeds from the event help fund the RMHD. Last year, the event raised more than $200,000 for the charity, which provides families of critically-ill children with housing and support.
Thanks to a recent renovation, the House now has 55 rooms and suites to serve more families who travel here for medical care and need a “Home Away From Home” as their children receive life-saving medical treatment from Duke Medical Center and area hospitals. Geoff Krouse, president of the Board of Trustees for the Ronald McDonald House of Durham, says these fundraisers are incredibly important for the charity.
“Our mission is to provide housing for families of critically ill children," Geoff says. "And the Winterfest Gala is our biggest fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.”
Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $175 per person. To buy tickets, or to find out more information about the gala, contact Special Events Manager Mitzi Viola or call 919-281-0164.
