From Our House to YOURS
Love that Lasts, Hope that Heals
Honoring Raven’s Memory, Celebrating Memphis’s Strength
Every family who walks through our doors has a story. Most arrive in the middle of hardship, carrying questions no parent ever wants to face. For Alexis and Trenton, their story is one of loss, resilience, and the healing power of hope.
Two years ago, when the couple found out they were once again expecting, their hearts filled with excitement, while grief from their earlier loss still cut deeply. They had said goodbye to their first baby, Raven, who was stillborn at 27 weeks, and it took great strength for them to open their hearts
again. In a beautiful twist of fate, they discovered they were expecting a baby boy on what would have been Raven’s due date.
Though pregnancy brought extra worry, their little boy grew and developed just as he should. Then, at 27 weeks, the very point at which they had lost Raven, Alexis went into preterm labor.
On October 18, 2023, their son, Memphis was delivered by C-section. Small but mighty, he was taken immediately to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
"It felt like I left the hospital without my baby again. I only saw him for a minute before he was taken down to the NICU. That was really, really hard."
Alexis Jenniges-Tulio
Overcoming Early Hurdles
Memphis’s fight began almost immediately. At just two days old, he underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured bowel. Doctors placed a colostomy bag to allow his tiny intestines time to heal, and only weeks later, he faced another surgery to reconnect them.
Those first days were filled with uncertainty. Tubes and machines surrounded him, and his parents could hold him only for short, careful moments. “Seeing him intubated and unable to cry was the hardest part,” Alexis said. “But he was strong. He never gave up.”
Finding Security at the Ronald McDonald House
Amid the stress of hospital life, the family was introduced to the Ronald McDonald House, a place built on love that lasts
and hope that heals. Alexis stayed 58 nights while Trenton commuted to work. Within those walls, she found comfort, compassion, and connection that helped her keep going.
Her days settled into a rhythm of early mornings pumping milk, breakfast at the House, and long hours by Memphis’s side. Volunteers and staff became familiar faces, and each warm meal or kind word reminded her that she was part of a caring community. “The House felt like love,” Alexis said. “I was in such an uncomfortable situation, but I felt comfortable here.”
"The House felt like love. I was in such an uncomfortable situation, but I felt comfortable here. I wasn’t alone."
Alexis Jenniges-Tulio
Homecoming
With Raven’s memory always close to their hearts and Memphis’s joy lighting their days, Alexis and Trenton move forward with gratitude and hope, holding on to the love and support that carried them through their hardest season.
CEO A NOTE FROM JILL CHRISTOPHER
As we approach the holiday season, I find myself taking time to reflect, appreciate, and express my gratitude for the incredible support we've received throughout the year. Your contributions –both through monetary gifts and volunteer time – have made a profound impact on the lives of the families we serve during their most challenging times.
Your monetary gifts have already provided nearly 6000 nights of care this year for families with children in the hospital here in Fargo. You are helping families stay close to their child—and to one another—through every step of their healthcare journey.
Our volunteers have ensured families had yummy baked goods for a sweet treat, healthy grab-n-go options for long days at the hospital, and a warm dinner when they returned to the Ronald McDonald House in the evening. You have made sure our house was clean and decorated for the holidays.
You have colored our sidewalks to brighten days, helped with activities for families and much more.
During this season of giving, please know that you – our donors and volunteers – are the heart of our organization, and we couldn't do it without you. Your generosity, time, and commitment make a world of difference to the families we serve. Thank you for your generous hearts for good!
With a heart full of gratitude,
Jill Christopher CEO
Help us fill the pantry so kids have plenty of snacks and families feel at home while staying at RMHC!
• Cereal Cups
• Chips
• GoGo Squeez
• Goldfish
• K-Cups (regular)
Every bite helps bring comfort, every sip brings relief.
Don’t have time to shop? Venmo us: @rmhcfargo
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During this season of gratitude, we honor our Board of Directors.
Their leadership keeps families at the center of every decision, guiding our mission with wisdom, care, and vision. We are grateful for their commitment and for the countless ways they strengthen our House and the families we serve.
A special thanks to Amanda Richter, Caitlin Stoecker, Madison Quamme, Kevin Cook, and Todd Anderson who will be wrapping up their board service this year.
Officers
Todd Anderson
Josef’s School of Hair, Skin and Body
President
Jessica Shawn WEX
Vice President
Madison Quamme
Flint Group
Past President
Lindsey DiFiore Concordia College
Treasurer
Mandi Swanson Essentia Health
Secretary of the Red Ri ve r Valley
Members
Amanda Richter Vitella Care, managed by Crossover Health
Caitlin Stoecker Bobcat Company
Kate Klemetson
Goldmark Property Management
Kevin Cook
McDonald’s
Michael Carlson
Sterling Trust
Theresa Larson
Sanford Health
Rachel Schall
Aldevron
Scott Steinmetz WEX
Legacy of
The History of RMHC of the Red River Valley
Since 1982 • Fargo, North Dakota
After losing their daughter Sara, Bev and Jim McAllister joined social worker Wayne Allard to turn heartbreak into hope for families facing medical uncertainty.
12 families
A new House on 18th Avenue South doubled capacity, offering comfort and connection to each night.
From the beginning, community support has made it possible to serve families when they need it most.
2022 Families in Need A Second Location Family Room Opens The First House A New, Larger Home
Inside Essentia Health, the Family Room offers rest, comfort, and care just steps from a child’s bedside.
6 families
Opened on North Broadway. each night received warm beds, meals, and support.
2018
A new 30,000-square-foot House opened at Agassiz Crossing, built through community generosity and growing medical and family needs.
Expansion to 24 Rooms
A seven-room expansion now welcomes each night, ensuring more families can stay close when it matters most.
24 families
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Delta by Marriott I 6:00p.m.
Our Sweetheart Ball is a night to honor the families who have found a Home within our walls and the generous hearts who make our mission possible. This year we embrace Home is Harvested Here, a reflection of North Dakota’s spirit where prairie winters are frosty and still, yet community, care, and generosity continue to grow strong.
Funds raised at this event directly benefit families with critically ill children receiving medical care in Fargo. Your support provides a place to stay, the comforts of home, a stocked pantry, hot meals, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a place to feel safe and cared for when a family is facing the uncertainty of a medical diagnosis.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Choice Dollars
Are you a Thrivent member? Consider applying for a Thrivent Action Team Grant or choose to direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to support the mission of RMHC of the Red River Valley.
NORTH DAKOTA TAX CREDIT Endowment Gifts
The state of North Dakota offers a generous 40 percent state income tax credit for gifts of $5,000 or more to our qualified endowment fund. It’s a win-win for both you and the families your gift will so generously serve for generations to come!
MATCHING GIFTS Programs
Does your employer offer a matching gifts program? Check it out to see your donation go further by doubling your contributions! Thank you to all employees and businesses who take part in these programs to help this community keep families close together.
There are many ways you can make an impact on sick kids and their families this holiday season.
VEHICLE Donations
Donate your used vehicle, boat, or motorized vehicle and support RMHC. It’s fast, free, easy, and tax deductible.
IRA REQUIRED MINIMUM Distributions
Make an immediate impact on our mission and avoid taxes on transfers up to $100,000 from your IRA direct to RMHC of the Red River Valley. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make your gift. Our tax ID number is 45-0365598.
FM AREA FOUNDATION Caring Catalog
Now through December 2, you can make a difference for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley through the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog: 65 Days of Giving. Every gift helps keep families close to the care their child needs while providing the comforts of home.
