RMHCK 2023 Annual Report

Our Mission

To Our Valued Supporters,

As we reflect on 2023, it’s clear that the foundation of our success is built on your commitment and generosity. You have empowered us to reach remarkable milestones in serving families facing unimaginable challenges. Your support has been a beacon of hope, helping remove barriers, strengthening families, and promoting healing when children need healthcare.

In 2023, thanks to you, we achieved significant impact:

• Over 15,000 nights of comfort were provided at our Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room Programs, translating into more than $3 million saved by families on lodging and meal expenses.

• Our meal program, Love Served Daily, spearheaded by Chef James and our incredible volunteers, delivered more than 32,000 nutritious meals, offering comfort and sustenance to our guest families.

• We launched an innovative smartphone app, enhancing our ability to communicate and share vital resources with families, ensuring they have the support they need, exactly when they need it.

• Awareness of RMHCK’s mission has grown exponentially, leading to record-breaking fundraising success and a remarkable increase of new volunteers eager to lend their hands and hearts.

These achievements are not just ours; they are yours. It’s your dedication that makes this work possible. Looking ahead to 2024, we approach a significant milestone in our journey—our 40th anniversary. We are filled with gratitude and anticipation for what we can accomplish together. On behalf of every family whose life you’ve touched, thank you. Your continued dedication inspires us daily and reinforces our commitment to serving families with compassion.

With our gratitude,

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana provides the home and support that allows families to stay together while they focus on the healing of their sick children at a critical time.

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: John Bischoff, Community Volunteer

President-Elect: Sam Castle, SVP, Private Banking Division Manager, Stock Yards Bank & Trust

Vice-President: Todd Hamilton, CPA/Partner, Cherry Bakaert

Vice-President: Bru Peter, Owner/Operator, McDonald’s

Vice-President: London Roth, Chief of Staff to Medicare President East Division, Humana

Treasurer: Jon Magrum, CPA/Assurance Senior Manager, Cherry Bakaert

Secretary: Matt Multerer, Director of Strategy & Investments, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

BOARD MEMBERS

Sal Bertolone, M.D.: RMHCK Founder

Art Davenport: Community Volunteer

Matt Dodd: Owner/Operator, McDonald’s

Kathy Lamb: Facility Vice President Operations, Norton Children’s Hospital

Michael Meagher: Vice President of Gaming Operations, Churchill Downs, Inc.

Melissa Merrifield: SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer, Hosparus Health

Jessica Murr: Community Volunteer

Rachel Porter: Director, Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff, Value Based Solutions, Elevance Health

John Bischoff Board President Hal Hedley Chief Executive Officer

Felix Sharpe: Counsel, Humana

Tim Statts: VP Commodity Services, Schneider Electric

Tiffany Stout: Licensed Realtor, Semonin Realtors

Andre Zdanow: Executive Director, Small Appliances and FirstBuild, GE Appliances

Where Hope Heals

Hi, I’m Paige Saint-Utley. In December 2023, my husband Jordan and I welcomed our son Grayson into the world. Our pregnancy started off beautifully. Grayson was thriving, comfortably nestled in the 60th percentile. But as time went on, we faced unexpected challenges. Grayson’s growth plummeted.

At 30 weeks, I was admitted to the hospital with the ominous possibility of an early arrival. The uncertainty was overwhelming. Despite the rollercoaster of appointments and the strain of working night shifts, we held onto hope.

Then, at 33 weeks and three days, it happened. I underwent an emergency C-section, and Grayson entered the world—a tiny bundle of three pounds and ten and a half ounces. Our joy was short-lived as we learned he needed immediate surgery for a tracheoesophageal fistula, a condition where the windpipe and esophagus are abnormally connected.

Separated from Grayson as he fought for his life in the NICU, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana became our sanctuary. It was there that I navigated the turbulent waves of postpartum emotions, surrounded by understanding and support. Its proximity to the hospital meant we could be by Grayson’s side day and night without the added strain of travel and stress.

The House became our home away from home, offering not just shelter but a sense of belonging. We found comfort in the company of other families facing similar trials, and in the kindness of volunteers who became like family to us. Even during Christmas, Ronald McDonald House became a true home where our family could gather, bringing comfort and joy amidst the difficulties.

Returning to the Ronald McDonald House in February 2024 as Grayson underwent additional treatment felt like coming full circle—a touching reminder of how far we’d come.

Our journey with Grayson has been filled with challenges, but through it all, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana has been our anchor.

Paige, Jordan and Grayson

Madisonville, KY.

(115 miles from Louisville)

We referred to RMHCK as often. ‘Home’

Thank you to our volunteers and donors for your time, talents, and financial support. Your generosity provides a home away from home for families and allows them to focus on the needs of their children. We couldn’t take care of families when they need it most without you!

Financial Outlook

On October 22, 2023, 56 guestrooms were occupied, the most to date since RMHCK started serving families in 1984.

ROUND-UP FOR RMHC

Kentuckiana McDonald’s owner/operators, their crew, and their customers continue to be strong supporters of the families who call our House home. In 2023, customers from 100 McDonald’s restaurants donated an extremely generous, amazing, and record setting $567,971 through Round-Up for RMHC.

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

In addition to a family app, the Operations team deployed digital displays across family floors to communicate important information, menus, and upcoming activities to families.

Our Programs

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ®

Within walking distance of Louisville’s downtown hospitals, Louisville’s Ronald McDonald House has 56 guestrooms staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our private guestrooms, comfortable living rooms, vibrant play areas, and stocked kitchens offer a home away from home for families of seriously ill or injured children.

RONALD MCDONALD

FAMILY ROOM ®

With the help of our medical partners, RMHCK provides dedicated rooms inside hospitals to ensure families have a quiet place to rest only steps from their children.

Family Rooms can be found at Norton Children’s Hospital, Frazier Rehab Institute, and Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Amenities vary at each facility, but can include sleep rooms, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, comfortable living rooms, and stocked kitchens.

HOSPITALITY CART

With snacks, beverages, small toys, and fun activities, our Hospitality Cart helps fill an empty stomach or bring a smile directly to children and their families at the Novak Center for Children’s Health.