HEARTBEAT
THE GROVE HOUSE
Our 72-bedroom Ronald McDonald House is offering families a home-away-fromhome in St. Louis.
St. Louis
FROM GROUNDBREAKING TO GRAND OPENING
The new Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis has opened its doors, marking the culmination of a journey from Groundbreaking to Grand Opening. The project began with a vision to provide a comforting home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children. Construction kicked off with a Groundbreaking ceremony on December 2, 2022, filled with hope and community spirit. The dedicated team of donors, volunteers, and staff worked tirelessly to bring the dream to life. Now, the new facility is a
beacon of support, offering expanded services and accommodations for families in need. The Grand Opening on June 18, 2024, celebrated compassion, resilience, and community dedication. It’s incredible to think what can be built in 565 days.
This special edition Heartbeat highlights the incredible journey of building the newest House that Love Built and the legacy it will forever symbolize.
Left: December 2, 2022 Right: June 18, 2024
Letter from our Construction Committee Chair and Interim President & CEO
S TEVE HAYS
I volunteered as a Big Brother at Big Brothers Big Sisters in my twenties. My trainer and first case manager was a guy named Dan Harbaugh. Little did I know I had just met one of the BEST people in my lifetime.
Fast-forward a decade or so. I was serving as Board Chair of the Ronald McDonald House. Early in my term, we needed a new President. We had several qualified candidates, but after much interviewing, we were so fortunate to hire Dan Harbaugh. What an impact he would have.
Under Dan’s 30 years of leadership as President and CEO, he was largely responsible for growing RMHC from a mom-and-pop group to the professional organization it is today. He oversaw the opening of three additional Houses and four Family Room locations, which now support up to 92 families each night and over 49,000 people annually respectively.
Most recently, despite his medical challenges, Dan displayed an incredibly positive attitude while remaining focused on his responsibilities. This year alone, he oversaw:
• The completion of the Capital Campaign, raising over $34M
• The opening of the Grove House
• The sale of the West Pine House and related real estate
• The return of the Park Avenue House to St. Louis University (SLU)
• Assembly of the leadership team by hiring of both a Vice President of Development and Operations and the promotion of our Human Resources Director to the Vice President.
• Establishment of the new Meals from the Heart Program that delivers the opportunity to create and enhance relationships within the St. Louis community
• Record-breaking special events in 2024
Since his passing, the outpouring of support from the community, donors, and volunteers for Dan, his family, and the House has been a testament to his impact on so many lives. In July, the Dan Harbaugh Endowment was established to support future operations. I am proud to announce that gifts and commitments to the Endowment are nearing $2M to date.
Rest assured, the organization remains very strong today, which is a testament to Dan’s leadership and the team he built. The team assembled by Dan is second to none, as evident by their leadership these last few months. With the guidance of the Board of Directors, a search for his replacement has been underway, with a new leader expected by the end of the year.
Dan was incredible at making friends and building relationships. He made everyone feel special, which led to many past board members, committee members, and volunteers remaining involved long after their term ended. As several often said, the “RMHC is like the Hotel California. You can check out whenever you like, but you can never leave.” When Dan asked that I serve as Interim President until his replacement was found, I was only too willing to help.
Dan’s actions and leadership have impacted thousands over the years. He would often say,” It’s great to be Dan.” But it was even better to have known him.
Sincerely,
Steve Hays
The Dan Harbaugh Endowment
Earlier this year, we began preparations to celebrate Dan’s scheduled retirement at the end of 2024. Dan was adamant that anything done in his honor should ultimately benefit the families served by RMHC. Adhering to his wishes, the Dan Harbaugh Endowment was created to celebrate his incredible career and enduring legacy of love for the mission he dedicated his life to serving. Dan was immensely humbled and moved to tears, knowing the outpouring of support this endowment would receive from the community he loved so dearly. Since the creation of the Dan Harbaugh Endowment, more than 225 donors have come together to give and have designated nearly $2 million in gifts, pledges, and documented estate commitments in honor of Dan. Endowments benefit an organization by providing funding for the long term. They preserve the principal, which, through investment, grows. Then, annually, a disbursement of the fund’s growth is made to support the charity. This ensures all gifts directed to the Dan Harbaugh Endowment will keep giving, year over year. This is a beautiful way to create one’s own legacy or to honor Dan, ensuring ongoing support for RMHC for generations to come. Please consider making your own lasting impact through a gift to the Dan Harbaugh Endowment. Contact Dara Markus, Development Manager, at dmarkus@rmhcstl.org or Elizabeth Kaul, Vice President, Development, at ekaul@rmhcstl.org for more information.
Reflections on his career: DAN HARBAUGH
“This is the most unbelievable organization in the world,” said Dan Harbaugh during an interview at the Ribbon Cutting of the Grove Ronald McDonald House on June 18, 2024. “I’ve got the greatest job in the world. I’ve been with this organization for thirty years. It’s amazing what this place continues to do year after year.”
It is with profound sadness we share that Dan passed on August 11, 2024, after a courageous three-time battle with cancer.
Dan began his career with Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis in 1994, where he served the next three decades as the President & CEO. Under Dan’s leadership, the charity grew from an organization of five staff members and housing 20 families to a staff of over 35 dedicated individuals and revenue approaching $7M annually.
During the interview in June, Dan shared reflections on his life, his work at Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the impact of the community that this organization has created.
“When we made the decision to expand our presence in the City of St. Louis because we weren’t serving enough families, we decided to build this new state-of-the-art $34 million Ronald McDonald House and knew that it would be paid for before its opening,” said Dan. “We have the most unbelievable people – it’s my favorite part (volunteers, donors, staff). I’ve been coming to work for thirty years, and I see nothing but good. The donations, the volunteers, and the acts of kindness take place here on a daily basis. I’ve had a frontrow seat to all the good in the world.”
Dan was more than just a leader; he was a husband, a father, a mentor, a friend, and a passionate advocate for seriously ill children and their families. His unwavering commitment to providing a homeaway-from-home to families when they need it most has been a beacon of hope and progress. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know him, a testament to his profound impact on our lives.
“We did it, baby, we did it!” exclaimed Dan on the Ribbon Cutting stage. Dan’s vision, dedication, and compassion have touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. ■
HONORING OUR PAST
Saying Goodbye to the West Pine and Park Avenue
Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Louis
The first St. Louis Ronald McDonald House opened on July 10, 1981, as an eight-bedroom Victorian-style home primarily managed by volunteers. In 1984, six bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a dining area were added. Then, in 1989, the building to the west was purchased, adding six additional bedrooms and a community space. A breezeway was built to connect the two Houses, bringing the total number of bedrooms to 20.
On April 14, 1996, the second Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis opened on Park Avenue. It primarily served families whose children were being treated at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The Park Avenue House had 11 bedrooms.
In 2003, eight long-term apartments were added to the campus of the West Pine House. These apartments provide all the basic housing needs for families of children whose treatment is ongoing, such as transplant and cancer patients.
After years of heartfelt service to families in need, we announced the closing of the Ronald McDonald Houses on West Pine and Park Avenue in May 2024. These Houses have been havens of comfort, providing much-needed
support and community for thousands of families facing medical challenges. Their legacy did not end but evolved as we transitioned to our new Grove Ronald McDonald House.
To honor the history of the West Pine and Park Avenue Houses, we are preserving cherished memories and ensuring their stories live on through dedicated spaces and commemorative initiatives within the new Grove House. A beautifully crafted timeline will share our visual history in the Grove Board Room, featuring each location, a brief history, and photos. The stainedglass window from the front door of the West Pine House has been installed as the entry to the General Store in the lobby, serving as a symbol of warmth and hope. Additionally, the iconic Ronald McDonald bench from the Park Avenue House has been placed near the entrance, offering a place of reflection and connection.
As we close out this chapter of our story, we are grateful to the community, volunteers, and donors who have been vital parts of this journey. We look forward to continuing this legacy of love and care in our newest location. ■
The opening of the Grove Ronald McDonald House was ushered in by a series of receptions for friends of the House, supporters, and neighbors to see our vision become reality. On June 18, 2024, we celebrated the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening.
The North Entrance was filled with people as Colleen Schoendienst sang the National Anthem, and the American flag was raised to mark the beginning of the ceremony. The program included Mayor Tishaura Jones, RMHC Global President Katie Fitzgerald, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Steve Pelch and Mike DeCola, RMHC St. Louis Board Chair Bridget Hoy-Beardsley, a local family that utilized RMHC, and the late President & CEO Dan Harbaugh. Attendees lined the sidewalk and around the building to hear how this House came to be and the passionate people who made it a reality.
Over the next few weeks following the milestone event, staff and volunteers quickly prepared the House for the influx of families. By August, guest families were settled in St. Louis
and found their home-away-from-home while seeking medical treatment for their children.
The 76,000-square-foot facility is designed with guests’ needs as priority. When a family walks into the bright, expansive lobby, they are greeted with a view of the Welcome Rooms, reception desk, soft seating area used to wait on transportation, and the beautiful wooden staircase that leads to the second floor.
Down the hall is a group of suites completely separate from the rest of the House called the Immune Suppressed Wing. It is designed for families with children who are fighting cancer or have had a transplant and have strict protocols about isolation. Their stays are generally longer and have specialized needs. Families staying in these suites have a separate entrance and exit. Also, there is a private laundry and kitchen space that is only accessible to these families. New to the Grove House, the entire building uses a HEPA filter for added breathing protection, offering our guests peace of mind. The wing is based on a design supported by our
The Grove Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis City.
Lobby
Immune Suppressed Kitchen
local Children’s Hospitals.
On the other side of the lobby, guests will find the General Store, Business Center, Dining Room, Playroom, and Kitchens.
The General Store offers families essential personal items they may need during their stay. Whether it’s an extra toothbrush or toiletries, we have them covered. The children staying at the House can grab a toy from the large display upon check-in, on their birthday, before surgery, or on other special occasions. Next door is the Business Center, where families can access computers with Wi-Fi and printers.
The expansive, inviting Dining Room is lined with wooden accent walls and pops of color throughout the space. Families can enjoy the space any time of day and choose between the open seating area near the windows for natural light or the line of booths for a little more privacy.
Children staying at the House are excited to explore the two-story tree house in the one-of-a-kind Playroom. Access through a child-sized door allows children to enter the bottom half and walk out to a bright space, where they can let their imagination run wild with a play kitchen, tactile art installation, light display, child-sized tables and chairs, and a slide.
Shared spaces at the Ronald McDonald House often foster friendships between families. We look forward to seeing how these new go-to spots on the first floor will create an atmosphere of community—offering families support to each other during challenging times.
Playroom
Dinning Room
Finding Rest at The House that Love Built
Each family has access to a private suite with a queen-size bed, full bath, and mini fridge; suite layouts alternate between an additional bed or a pull-out couch, offering additional space for extended family to stay. Select suites were also ADA compliant so wheelchairs can navigate easily. On the West side of the building, the families can look out over Chouteau Park to see neighbors running, walking their pets, and children playing on the local playground.
After the pandemic in 2020, it was essential to offer families a space where they could feel
comfortable. Ronald McDonald House provides additional privacy and comfort in our suites with televisions, built-in storage, desks, and a large vanity, offering an inclusive retreat. There is a laundry facility and a Hospitality Lounge on each floor, ensuring families aren’t more than a few steps away from their suite for these amenities. With the additional occupancy of the 72-bedroom Grove House, we anticipate approximately 40% more guest families per year.
Hospitality Lounge
A Refuge for Families
The second floor of the Grove Ronald McDonald House offers a variety of spaces designed for comfort, relaxation, and fun for our guest families. At the top of the stairs from the lobby is the Recreation Room, sponsored by the Cardinals Care, featuring soft seating, a two-sided fireplace, and televisions—perfect for gathering and watching games together. With baseball-themed accents, such as wooden bat wainscoting, an oversized mural, sports jerseys, and memorabilia lockers, this room celebrates the spirit of St. Louis.
Our two Serenity Rooms provide peaceful sanctuaries for those seeking quiet moments. Each of these rooms features stained glass from the church that previously stood on this site, adding to the calming atmosphere. Families can retreat to this space when they need time to process, have private discussions, and want to reflect. The sound-proofing panels
and comfortable green chairs create a cozy atmosphere.
The St. Louis Blues Game Room is ideal for anyone who loves video games. It is equipped with gaming computers, consoles, and comfortable modular seating in team colors. We have already seen older children enjoying the space and creating memories.
Nearby, the Wellness Center offers a gym with workout equipment, a spa for haircuts or massages, and a yoga studio as a space for group workouts or dance classes.
These unique spaces continue to serve guests in new ways, offering them a holistic physical and mental well-being approach. ■
MEET THE WILLIAMSON FAMILY
Rachel has her parents at her side thanks to RMHC
Claire and Derek Williamson were heartbroken hearing the news that their daughter Rachel was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, or Edwards Syndrome, during the 16-week genetic testing routine checkup. Edwards Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects a child’s development, making it rare for babies to make it to term. After finding out about the diagnosis, Claire and Derek traveled from their home in Springfield, Illinois, to St Louis, Missouri, for the specialized care they would need for their daughter’s birth.
On December 20, 2023, Claire and Derek Williamson welcomed Rachel Faith into the world at 37 weeks, weighing 3 pounds and 15 ounces, at St Louis Children’s Hospital. Rachel was immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit while mom began recovering from her c-section. For the next four days, Claire was a patient in the hospital herself, waiting for the chance to meet her daughter. On December 24, Claire was overjoyed to hold Rachel for the first time.
“It was a wonderful blessing and an emotional
experience to hold her for the first time on Christmas Eve,” says Claire.
For the next few weeks, Claire and Derek stayed at Rachel’s bedside as she continued to fight the odds and prove her medical team wrong. They slept in recliners and spent as much time as possible with their new baby.
“We didn’t plan on staying long because of the diagnosis,” explained Claire. “The small quarters quickly became stressful. I remember Derek and I looking at each other and saying, ‘What do we do now?’”
Thankfully, Ronald McDonald House Charities resources were available. Claire and Derek utilized the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the fifth floor and found a respite with showers, laundry, and hot coffee. By January 9, the Williamson family had a room at the West Pine Ronald McDonald House, offering them a place to stay close to Rachel and get the rest they needed in a real bed.
Their family has had a unique journey with RMHC. The organization transitioned from retiring
the West Pine House in May, moving families into a local hotel, and finally opening the Grove Ronald McDonald House in June. During that transitional time, our priority was to ensure that all our families continued to find a home away from home.
“I never realized that these different locations could have such an effect on how we handle things. When we moved into the Grove House, I immediately felt comfortable in the family suite, knowing we had our own space,” says Claire. “It’s the little things, like watching TV when you are pumping or being able to store breast milk in the room, not having to leave your space to take a shower, and having quiet areas to escape to. I didn’t think about it then but realized that I needed this.”
During their time at Ronald McDonald House, Claire has balanced not having a car, having Derek visit on the weekends and being there fully for Rachel during multiple surgeries.
“The last shuttle would leave the hospital at 6:00 p.m.; I don’t want to be at the House when I can be with my baby. I’m grateful I can use the Ubers from RMHC since I cannot drive,” says Claire. “The meals at the House have helped so much. Since I come back so late, I don’t make the dinner service, and I can use the Grab N’ Go and even have lunch the next day. It’s great. I don’t have to worry about my next meal.”
As Rachel continues to grow, Claire and Derek celebrate the 20th of each month, knowing they have had more time than they first anticipated with their beautiful daughter. Ronald McDonald House will be here for them each step of the way.
“To be able to be here through the week while Derek is at home in Springfield, working, and be a mother and advocate for Rachel has given me a lot more peace of mind than I would have had without the Ronald McDonald House.” ■
You can make a difference in the lives of families with seriously ill children by donating your time and talents.
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW!
5 4 3 2 1
Become a House volunteer Round-Up for RMHC at McDonald’s Coordinate a service group Host a wish list drive Become a Family Room volunteer
For more information, please contact rmhcstl.org/get-involved.
There are more ways than ever to get involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Sign up today!
The Meals from the Heart program at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis embodies the spirit of compassion and community support. This impactful initiative, made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, provides families with nutritious meals. This program started at RMHC St. Louis in the early 2000s and continues to be adopted by other RMHC chapters worldwide.
Local businesses and community groups gather in the Houses’ kitchens each week to create delicious meals, transforming it into a hub of warmth and camaraderie. As the aroma of home-cooked dishes fills the air, families gather around the dining tables, sharing stories and finding peace in one another’s company. The enhanced Meals from the Heart program was launched in August to offer different opportunities at the two Ronald McDonald House locations.
At the Grove House, groups of up to 10 people will enjoy a chef-led experience in the new commercial kitchen for a donation of $375, which covers ingredients and supplies. The enhanced program will be perfect for anyone looking for a team-building opportunity.
For those who don’t have the time to prepare a meal, with a donation of $150, they can host an Ice Cream Social on the weekends for families.
We proudly welcomed players from St. Louis CITY SC to be the first to participate in
the enhanced Meals from the Heart program, launching this vital initiative at the Grove. Players prepared dinner and items for the Grab N’ Go. They even served ice cream to the families. The House was buzzing with excitement!
The West County House continues to offer the traditional volunteer experience. Groups of up to 10 individuals purchase needed supplies and cook on site, gaining more menu control with no additional donation. The West County Ronald McDonald House is a fully stocked residentialstyle kitchen, offering volunteers a hands-on experience.
There are many other ways for supporters to feed families, including donating pantry or nonperishable items, frozen entrees, prepared deli meals, and kitchen basics. Those friends of the House who prefer not to cook are welcome to have a meal delivered by a local restaurant, which will support our guest families and the local community.
Meals from the Heart is more than just a program; it is a lifeline that reminds families that they are not alone in their journey. With every meal served, the Ronald McDonald House provides essential comfort, support, and community for those who need it most. Learn more about this opportunity and sign up today at rmhcstl.org/meals.
St. Louis CITY SC players preparing a meal for families
WHERE MEALS AND MEMORIES ARE MADE
A Look at the New Ronald McDonald House Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of our home-awayfrom-home. At the Grove House, the large commercial kitchen is equipped with stateof-the-art cooking equipment. It features automatic ovens, self-cleaning deep fryers, large steam kettles, two six-burner ranges, and multiple smaller culinary devices, all under the 24-foot ventilation system. Around the corner are an exceptionally large dry storage room, a walk-in freezer, and a refrigerator. In the center of the kitchen is the preparation space with rectangular stainless-steel worktables. Meals will be served from the built-in buffet between the kitchen and the expansive dining room. Families can grab a McCafé coffee, water, tea, or fifty-cent Coca-Cola product from the soda vending machine.
Recognizing that families often have unpredictable schedules and may spend extended hours at the hospital, we’ve introduced the Grab N’ Go section at the
Grove. This convenient addition to our services offers individually packaged fresh breakfasts, box lunches, and delicious leftovers from the previous night’s dinner service. It’s designed to provide guest families with food when they need it most, catering to their unpredictable plans.
We also understand the importance of feeling connected and part of a supportive network. That’s why we offer the Family Kitchen, a space designed with the comfort and convenience of our guest families in mind. This area, located off the dining room, features individual cooking stations outfitted with residential appliances and cooking equipment for a home-cooked meal. The presence of guest lockers also ensures families have a secure area to keep dry goods or items not needed in their private suite, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Families can prepare their favorite meals or snacks at any time of the day. ■
Grab N’ Go and Family Kitchen
BRUSHSTROKES OF LOVE
The Impact of Local Artists at the New Ronald McDonald House
The new Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis is not just a place of respite; it is a space infused with comfort, hope, and inspiration for families facing difficult times. One key aspect that adds to the uplifting atmosphere is the display of art from six local artists. The importance of showcasing local art goes beyond aesthetics; it creates a sense of connection, community, and emotional solace for families staying at the House. Local artists’ vibrant, expressive artwork provides a much-needed source of beauty and positivity amidst the uncertainty. Art has the power to inspire and soothe and for families experiencing stress and worry, seeing colorful murals and heartwarming paintings can provide a moment of escape, reflection, and emotional release.
Incorporating local artists also brings the St. Louis community into the House, creating a deeper connection between families and the area they are staying in. Families must live 50 miles or more away to be guests at the House. Many times, their stay with us may be their first time in St. Louis, and being surrounded by art that reflects the local culture and spirit helps them feel welcomed. It offers them a window
into the community’s identity, which can bring comfort and a sense of belonging. Families realize they are surrounded by people who care about their well-being, even if they’ve never met.
We proudly introduce the six local artists who have shared their talents with us at the Grove House. Displaying their work at the new location fosters a sense of community, creates an uplifting environment, and turns the House into a true sanctuary for the families who need it most. ■
The interactive art piece in the Playroom by Zack Smithey
Painting featured in the Welcome Room by Jessica Hitchcock
LOCAL ARTISTS
Meet the talented people behind the art at the Grove House
JESSICA HITCHCOCK
is a dynamic local artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and a love for bold color, Jessica’s work embodies positivity and energy, making her pieces a perfect fit for uplifting community spaces. Her art has been showcased in numerous local exhibitions, and she is passionate about making art accessible and inspiring to all. @jessica_hitchcock
SHEPPARD MOROSE
is a talented local artist known for her evocative, thought-provoking work that captures the complexities of human emotions. Her pieces often combine abstract elements with striking imagery, creating a sense of depth and reflection. Sheppard draws inspiration from the world around her, using her art as a way to connect with others on an emotional level. @sheppard_morose.
LAUREN YOUNGE
is a gifted local artist celebrated for her dynamic, mixed-media creations that explore themes of resilience and community. Her work often incorporates rich textures and layers, evoking a sense of movement and transformation. Lauren is passionate about using her art to tell meaningful stories, particularly those that inspire hope and strength. @laurenyoungeart.
NICHOLAS KRIEFALL
is a gifted local artist whose work is known for its bold use of color and captivating geometric patterns. Drawing inspiration from both urban landscapes and natural forms, Nicholas creates art that is energizing and harmonious. His pieces invite viewers to explore intricate designs while finding balance and beauty in the details.
@nkriefall artist
ZACK SMITHEY
is a dynamic local artist known for his innovative approach and diverse body of work, ranging from large-scale paintings to upcycled sculptures. Zack’s art is characterized by bold textures, vibrant colors, and a playful exploration of form, often combining unexpected materials to create unique pieces. @zacksmithey.
ALY YTTERBERG
is a gifted local artist who is celebrated for her serene and nature-inspired creations. Her work often features delicate botanical elements and soft, soothing colors, evoking a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. Aly’s art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and find comfort in moments of beauty. @ytterbergstudio.
St. Louis 4321 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110
If your name and/or address are incorrect, please let us know by contacting Holly Ahaus at 314-932-4136 or hahaus@rmhcstl.org
