Letter from the Board Chairperson

A Season of Growth

We have been experiencing a global pandemic for more than a year, which has disrupted our lives more than we could ever have imagined. I send out thoughts and prayers to everyone negatively affected, whether it was the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the loss of resources/services. As I begin to serve as Chairman of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, my heart aches for the families that we could not serve in our Houses and Family Rooms last year. But as I reflect on how the staff of the “House,” my peers on the board, and all our donors have reacted and worked together, I feel a real sense of joy and am more optimistic than I could ever have imagined.

They say that challenges breed opportunities. Working with the staff and my fellow board members to respond to the challenges has been therapeutic and inspiring. The changes that have been implemented will have long-lasting benefits for the organization.

Led by our McDonald’s franchisee board members Joan Elhoffer, Chris Giarla, and Nolan Ruiz, the Round-Up program has been a saving grace for the organization. This initiative to encourage McDonald’s patrons to “round up” their purchases drove more than $1 million in revenue to the “House” in 2020 and has even more potential for 2021 and beyond.

In an incredible effort to support our Red Shoe young professionals, board member Keith Schieler organized a team of Red Shoe members, staff, and other board members to produce a virtual Professional Development Series. Thus far, there have been three events this year with an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists to provide networking, interview, and job advancement tips. This program has the potential to attract Red Shoe members for years to come.

Without the ability to gather last year, the staff organized a virtual auction that raised almost $200,000. Now we understand how to leverage technology to reach a much wider audience and potentially add an additional revenue generator in some form or another for years to come. Planning is underway to create an annual virtual event beginning in 2022. And I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I appreciate the staff. With limited facilities and families to serve much of last year, their hours were cut, and workweeks were reduced to four days. Their sacrifices, combined with our donors’ generosity who continued to exhibit tremendous financial support in the absence of our fund-raising events, contributed toward a record-breaking year for the House. We are truly blessed to have such a great staff and a robust donor base. And yes, I did just write “record-breaking,” which is incredible given the circumstances.

As we look to 2021, exciting changes are underway. All our Family Rooms have reopened, and we are slowly ramping up capacity in our Houses. We are re-engaging with volunteers to carefully re-introduce them to the invaluable roles they play in serving our families. We have shuffled the dates and revised the format of our fund-raising events to gather safely. Planning is underway to completely renovate the Family Room at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. And after pausing last year, we have re-started our capital campaign to raise funds for a new city House.

Dan Harbaugh, our President, often states that he has the best job in the world. As I experience the care and compassion of all the staff, donors, volunteers, and board members each day, I feel the same as Dan. I am honored to serve such a great organization.

With much appreciation and admiration,