GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) announced Thursday it plans to launch a $2 million fundraising campaign to renovate and expand its Hospitality House in Grand Rapids.
The House, located on Cedar Street, will add eight new private rooms — for a total of 25 — and refurbish its laundry, dining and kitchen areas, RMH tells us.
We’re told the playground will also be renovated.
“Since our founding over thirty years ago, we’ve helped over 10,000 families at the House. Unfortunately, due to lack of space, we’ve also had to turn away another 5,000 families,” says Co-Chair Andrew Grashuis. “As Grand Rapids’ medical reputation has grown, so has the demand for space at the House. We’re incredibly proud that we can take the burden off of families that have to travel to Grand Rapids for medical care for their children.”
RMH adds they have already received support from nearby hospitals, businesses and community members.
"I'm just blessed that I can be around people that make me feel that comfortable that that encouraged me to make this my home," says Ashley Starkey, whose 18-year-old daughter is recovering from pneumonia-related complications. They're from Inkster, which is too far to visit Mary Free Bed. Ashley says the RMH gives her a chance to stay with her daughter while she recovers.
"It gives me a peace of mind, you know, and gives me something to do because now I can have to ... cook my kid's breakfast. ... So just those little basic things where you can wake up in the morning and fry an egg or make a piece of toast or, you know, wash a load of laundry. ... Those are the things that have helped me mentally and emotionally because ... I'm the caregiver."
Construction on the expansion is expected to begin later in the year.
Visit RMH’s website to make a donation.
