Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas breaks ground on expansion project
April 18, 2016
RMHC of the Carolinas broke ground on its$3.5 million capital campaign expansion project. The expansion will allow the Ronald McDonald House, located in Greenville, S.C., to double the amount of families it currently serves by adding an additional 12 guest bedrooms.
“The expansion will strengthen our ability to meet the needs of children being cared for in an outpatient and inpatient setting; ultimately meeting our goal of keeping families close and helping to enable family centered care,” said Marti Spencer, Executive Director/CEO of RMHC of the Carolinas.
The 17,500 square foot expansion will connect to the current House located directly across the street from Greenville Health System Children’s Hospital. Features of the expansion include 12 guest rooms with private baths; a guest check-in; a commercial kitchen for families; an elevator making all rooms accessible; an expanded laundry facility; and a community conference room.
In 2015, RMHC of the Carolinas served 400 children and their families but the demand for rooms far exceeded availability and 254 families had to find alternative housing. In a recent study 90 percent of hospital leaders agreed that RMHC helped families reduce stress and costs of caring for a sick child. And, as the Greenvillecommunity and its medical facilities continue to grow, the need for the House program will continue to increase year after year.
Greenville Health System Children’s Hospital, McDonald’s GSA Co-Op, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolinaand Fluor are lead donors for the campaign. The expansion project has raised approximately two-thirds of the funds needed and is seeking donations to meet its $3.5 million goal. Pledges and donations can be made online at http://rmhc-carolinas.org/capital-campaign/ or mailed to 706 Grove Road, Greenville, S.C. 29605.
About RMHC of the Carolinas
RMHC of the Carolinas’ mission is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Since 1989, the Chapter has provided support to more than 10,000 families through the Ronald McDonald House program. The House serves as a quiet place for families or as a place of companionship, sharing and emotional support with other families who are also caring for a sick child being treated at nearby hospitals. To learn more about RMHC of the Carolinas, visit www.RMHC-Carolinas.org.
