Spring 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIR A NOTE FROM OUR
Dear Friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware,
As we move into the spring season, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your unwavering support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware.
The past year has been a testament to the incredible impact our House has on families facing pediatric medical challenges. Thanks to your generosity, we provided a "home-away-from-home" for over 1,400 families in 2024, offering them comfort, support, and essential programs and services These efforts align with our updated mission, vision, and purpose inspired by RMHC Global’s recently released impact strategy framework:
Our Mission: We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare
Our Vision: A world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children
Our Purpose: Caring for families with children who are ill or injured
These updates reflect over 50 years of learning and evolution within the RMHC Global system They aim to more clearly communicate the driving force behind our work However, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to supporting families during their greatest time of need
Our operations remain the same we’re still here providing warm meals, comfortable beds, and caring spaces for families close to the hospitals their children need.
I am also excited to announce that in 2025, we will be expanding our House with the addition of two new guest rooms, increasing our capacity to 52 guest rooms While this may seem like a modest increase, it will have a significant impact, allowing us to better serve more families One of the rooms will be a standard guest room, while the other will be a spacious Family Suite, enabling us to accommodate larger families or those staying with us for extended periods of time.
We are incredibly grateful for your partnership in this important mission. Together, we can ensure that every family facing pediatric illness has the support they need to navigate their most challenging time.
With sincere gratitude,
PAULINE CORSO BOARD CHAIR
Chair
Pauline M Corso
Vice Presidents
Dominic C Canuso
Keith A. Kepplinger
Michele L Meixell
Jennifer Sciolla
Secretary Katie Migliocco
Treasurer
Christopher S Marshall
Corynn Ciber
Tim Daning
Joel E. Dukart
Meg Frizzola
Mary Ignudo
Lynn Kuttruff
Casey Melson
Connie Miller
Mike Pfeifer
Evan Pizzuto
Christian Rawden
Brian Reed
Lisa Schmidt
Craig Snyderman
Badou Tounkara
Kenneth Youngblood
ADVISORY
Chair Rick Gessner
Pam Cornforth
Pauline Corso
Perry Beberman
Mary Bowler
Nick Cerchio
Stan Diver
Les Dukart
Tom Ferry
Shaila Kapur
Lynn Miller
Michelle Pena
Lou Rosenberg
Bob Trostel
Anne Wright
KENT & SUSSEX ADVISORY COUNCIL
Michelle Bergold
Chelsea Bristow
Stephanie Smith-Christiano
Emily Cunningham
Patti Hastings
Mike Hinton
Tim O’Connor
Hank Rosenberg
Anthony Smith
Laura Willis
FAMILY STORY THE CULLERE
The Cullere family’s lives changed forever when their son Benji was diagnosed with MPS1 Hurler Syndrome at just 15 months old This rare genetic disorder meant his body couldn't produce a crucial enzyme, leading to serious health complications The news was devastating, but the Culleres knew they needed to fight for their son
Benji underwent enzyme replacement therapy and a challenging cord blood transplant, offering the best chance of delivering the vital enzyme to all parts of his body, including his brain. However, recovery was long and complicated, filled with numerous hospital visits, surgeries, and intensive therapies.
Cord blood transplant
During these difficult times, the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington became their “home-away-from-home ” It offered a place of comfort and support, allowing the Culle he received treatment "At the House, I don't have to pretend I am alright if I am not. I can just feel what I feel. Not worrying about logistics of meals or entertaining my son allows me time to focus on other things, including myself," Benji’s mom Tamara shares
Tamara says that it can be easy to focus on the child who has the disability or who is dealing with medical issues; however it is equally important to remember that the siblings go through their own journey with the disease as well, ev fected by it “I love organizations that not only acknowledge the siblings and their ro clude them. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware is inclusive of al hat.”
While at the House, Benji loved the playroom, exploring the treasure chest, and interacting with other children, some facing similar challenges The Culleres loved meeting other families on similar journeys, sharing stories, offering support, and finding strength in each other's experiences These encounters and connections fostered valuable conversations about inclusion and acceptance, and provided a renewed sense of hope for the family
Hurler Syndrome does not have a cure. Tamara’s hope for her son and her family is to find joy every day and to focus on the good memories even through the hard times. “I want my children to be kind and accepting, especially with all the kindness and acceptance that has been shown to us We want to instill in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and acceptance, inspired by the support and understanding we have received from the Ronald McDonald House community ”
Benji ringing the good news bell
8
Catherine Rooney’s 1616
Big
Crooked
New Race Partner: We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Fusion Racing for this year ’ s series! With their expertise, participants can expect a top-tier race experience that’s both seamless and memorable.
New Locations in Wilmington and Lewes: We’re shaking things up this year with two fantastic new race destinations- Catherine Rooney's in Wilmington and Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes.
Special Pricing: Take advantage of exclusive discounts for signing up for multiple races, registering early, and for group registration (reaching a team of 10 members).
HELP WANTED: VOLUNTEER WITH US
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different interests and skills The two areas highlighted below represent some of our greatest current needs A complete list of opportunities is available online
Van Drivers
Van Drivers help families make essential errand runs during t including helping families stay bedside at the NICU at the Wo Children’s Center for Women’s Health at ChristianaCare’s Ne Campus These volunteers also help us to deliver Lunches w and make supply runs to our Ronald McDonald Family Room hospitals. Volunteers must be 21 years and older to help with
Spoonful of Hope
Join us in making a difference one meal at a time! Groups of up to 6 individuals can sign up to help prepare and serve dinner to families. Each group makes a $300 donation and selects a date to volunteer. Groups will work with our Chef to prepare dinner and stock the community refrigerator with grab and go items Wrap up your volunteer shift by serving dinner to families
To learn more about volunteer please visit rmhcdelaware.org or scan the QR code
M
Our Front
NTEER:
DID YOU KNOW?
We served over 12,000 meals in 2024!
Jasmine Johnson
iendly face families and visitors see when they arrive at the House. Saturday morning volunteer, Jasmine Johnson, is one of those friendly faces!
Jasmine holds a master’s degree in Social Work and is always looking for new opportunities to serve the community. As a front desk volunteer, Jasmine serves the families in many ways. “I’m the first face the families see as they enter and leave the building, so I make it a priority to greet them with a smile and to share a little bit of joy every chance I get.”
Jasmine shared that the most rewarding aspect of volunteering at the House is connecting with the families and offering a listening ear when needed.
Service means a lot to Jasmine “I have a very big heart and my passion for service runs deep It truly brings me joy being able to serve others ”
ADOPT A ROOM
Our Adopt a Room program is a year-long sponsorship of one of the 50 guest rooms in the House Adopt a Room contributions help offset the cost of operating guest rooms Adopting a Room directly impacts the lives of many families who call this room “home” while their child is receiving medical treatment at a local hospital To learn more about Adopt a Room, visit rmhcdelaware.org/adopt-a-room or scan the QR code
Thank you to our Adopt A Room Donors:
Patsy and George Amlin - In honor of our grandchildren Jack, Lucy, Penelope and Cora Amlin
In loving memory of our Mothers, Gussie Roman and Tillie Asnis
In loving memory of James Bayard Davis Jr from Susan E. Ayres Davis
The students and families of Bethel Springs Elementary School
Kate Bradley & John Rowlands, in honor of Mary
Louise Bradley
Bill & Carol Byrne - in honor of Kylie O'Day
John and Eileen Cheng
2024 Board of Directors in recognition of Pam Cornforth’s 25 years as President and CEO
Ducklings Early Learning Franchise
The Team at DuPont Capital Management
Energy Transfer Solutions, LLC
Harrington Raceway and Casino (2 rooms)
The Harris, Brooks, and Moler Families
Dr. Vijay and Ms. Sucharita Iyengar
Kids 4 Kids and 1494 Hockey
Dr. David Paul and Kathy Klein
Marlex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Motorcycle Santa in Memory of Frank C Kaszeta “Frank the Tank”
Motorcycle Santa in Memory of Dave "Dtro" Troise Old Bay
With thanks to Betsy Rawls from the DuPont CC Women Golf Members
Devon, Lauren, and Brian Reed
Deborah, David, Bennett & Carter Ross
Rick and Cindy Rowland
Terry and Ben Smith
Trees of Cheer - Sussex County
In Loving Memory of Kathryn R Sweeney (3 rooms)
Mother of two and a wonderful teacher who impacted the lives of hundreds of children
Talleyville Fire Company
In Loving Memory of our beloved Da-Niece Monea Thomas
Winnie's Maris Grove Winners
Anne Wright in Memory of Rick Wright
Family Support Services Suite - Masonic Charities
Laundry Rooms – Discover (4 rooms)
The Paddock - in memory of Anya Linnea Salus
WELCOME WEDNESDAYS
Join us to learn about all of the ways to support our mission!
First Wednesday of every month (excluding July & August)
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
To learn more about Welcome Wednesdays, please visit rmhcdelaware.org/welcome-wednesdays or scan the QR code
WISH LIST
Donations from our wish list help us fulfill our mission and keep our programs operational. Please visit rmhcdelaware.org/wish-list or scan the QR learn more
Disinfecting wipes (Lysol or Clorox brand only)
Tissues
Paper towels
Laundry detergent (pods only)
Ziploc brand bags (sandwich and gallon sized)
Individually wrapped snacks
Chips/pretzels/cookies
Granola bars
Cereal bars
Protein bars
Mini-muffins
Pop tarts
Trail mix
Gluten free options
Become a Partner in Hope and donate monthly to families in need. Please visit bit.ly/4hMYdth or scan the QR code to learn more
“When our son was receiving care at the NICU, we were blessed to live locally While in the hospital, we benefited from the Ronald McDonald Family Room and during our son ’ s stay, we realized how important it is for families to be close to their children and began making a monthly gift so that other families could enjoy the comforts of home while staying in close proximity to their child.”
- Family Room Parents and Monthly Donors, Theresa and Chris
IN OUR HEARTS
Nyelli Mccray
Janelle Stoltzfus
Lian Mejias Perez
Liam Turner
Anna Miller
Erick Lopez-Gomez
Colin Dougherty
Harrison Toal
Ruthie Stoltzfus
1901 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19803 www.rmhcdelaware.org
Check if appropriate:
My name is misspelled My address is incorrect I received more than one copy I no longer wish to receive Our House Please clip your request and mail to us, noting your request.
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