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Heart of the House November 2025 | | |
Dear Friends,
As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank you—our donors, volunteers, and friends—for your incredible support throughout the year. Your generosity and compassion make it possible for us to provide comfort and care to so many families.
We’re still feeling the thrill from our gala, Boo Ball – A Silver Screen Soirée, which raised nearly $900,000. This outpouring of support brings us closer to welcoming families into Amschwand House, our newest property set to open in 2026.
These final months of the year fly by as our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to bring the magic of the holidays to our Houses. It’s a joyful, bustling time—and there are so many ways to join in! You can help by donating presents, gift cards, or holiday lights; sponsoring a hospital meal, or entering our festive tree-decorating contest.
Thank you for helping make our mission possible—today and throughout the year.
With thanks and gratitude,
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Cristina Vetrano
Chief Executive Officer
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A Silver Screen Soiree
Boo Ball 2025 - A Silver Screen Soiree, was a red-carpet evening with a picture-perfect ending. Nearly 700 people gathered at the Hilton Americas Ballroom on the evening of Friday, October 17th. Guests were transported to Tinseltown with movie-inspired costumes and cocktail glam attire. An energetic live auction saw guests bidding on a once-in-a-lifetime Astros First Pitch experience, a culinary experience at Bludorn and other amazing packages.
We recognized Christian Diaz with our Founders Award, Shell Corporation as our Corporate Partner of the Year, and Margie Esse as our Volunteer of the Year. You can read more fun details about the event in Paper City here.
| | Creative Costumes and Decorating Fun | |
From dressing as pirates and princesses, to decorating pumpkins and doors, October was filled with kiddos (and quite a few young-at-heart adults) in full creative mode.
Kids in our school program combined a love of reading and fall fun with pumpkins painted to match their favorite story books. Families also decked out their residence doors for the Halloween season, enjoyed a swashbuckling pirate party, and took part in The Red Shoe Crew's Spooktakular event. October drew to a fitting close with a Hotel Transylvania family movie night, compliments of The Sunshine Kids.
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Holidays can be particularly difficult for families with a hospitalized child. At Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston, we try to bring extra cheer and joy to all families in our care. That means in addition to the 70 families at Holcombe House, we also support families at our Houses and Lounges inside Texas Children's Hospital, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, and M.D. Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital as well as families who rely on our Care Mobile. Last year, our holiday program touched more than 800 families!
From stocking our Santa Shop to helping with meals and snacks to donating holiday lights, there is something for every level of budget or involvement!
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We are excited to share an update on Amschwand House -a 16-unit apartment complex that will allow us to serve even more families with a seriously ill or hospitalized child. Located just 10 minutes from the Texas Medical Center, this property is an exciting addition to our Ronald McDonald House program.
Over the past 10 months, we have worked closely with engineers, architects and contractors to transform the building into a home away from home. Here are just some of the renovations that are at or near completion:
- Filled in the pool and added green space
- Installed all new electrical and wiring
- Installed all new plumbing
- Updated the HVAC system
- Made ADA Compliant updates
- Installed direct line to Houston Fire Department
- Replaced the roof
- Repainted and repaired exterior
We anticipate that we will welcome staff, volunteers and families to Amschwand House in early 2026.
| | Full Circle - The Diaz Family Story | |
When Sophie was six years old, she had a frightening medical emergency in the middle of the night. Her family helplessly watched the Life Flight helicopter transport her to Texas Children's Hospital in the Texas Medical Center as they followed in their car down I-45.
Find out how Christian turned his family's experience and his love of running into an annual tradition that continues to make an impact on Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston - 16 years later.
| | Meet Margie - 2025 Volunteer of the Year! | |
Two vital roles of a Ronald McDonald House volunteer are offering a warm welcome and supporting families with seriously ill children. Margie Esse does both with extraordinary heart. At Holcombe House, you can find Margie at the Welcome Desk, or picking up and delivering meal donations, representing RMHC at fundraising events, or providing warm encouragement to our families.
"Every day, I'm reminded of how fortunate I am. Being at Ronald McDonald House makes me want to make others' lives more comfortable and hopeful," says Margie.
Many of the children lovingly call her "Gammy." Once, when a child completed a difficult treatment and wanted to ring a bell in celebration, Margie searched the city to find just the right bell for the child to keep. By sharing her warmth, kindness and thoughtfulness, Margie makes every family feel cared for from the moment they arrive.
Thank you, Margie, for
everything you do!
| | Register today - Prices go up on November 9! | |
Get ready for a morning of competition and community at the 16th annual Trafigura Run for the House! This super fun and family-friendly 5k and kids 1-miler starts at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston at 8am on Saturday, December 6th. Walk, run, roll or stroll the course that runs down Allen Parkway - or join the cheering squad on the sidelines.
The fun doesn’t stop there! After crossing the finish line, stick around for an incredible after-party in the park, featuring refreshments, music, games, activities, and awards. Santa will make a special appearance for selfies, and there will be a dedicated tent for current and past RMHC families to share stories and connect.
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Attention Past RMHC Families
Contact run@rmhchouston.org to claim your special discount!
| | Your Support Helps Us Shine! | | There are countless worthy choices when it comes to giving, and we’re grateful you’ve chosen us! We steward every gift with transparency and integrity so you can trust that your donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston truly helps families facing a pediatric medical crisis. For more information on the allocation and impact of your donation dollars, check out our 2024 Annual Report here. | | Candid provides information on nonprofits and Platinum means an organization shared comprehensive information about its strategy, leadership, financials, outcomes and impact metrics, making it highly transparent to donors. | | RMHC Greater Houston has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator - an independent evaluator that helps donors make informed decisions. The 4-star rating is the highest designation, awarded to organizations that meet or exceed industry best practices. | | The Better Business Bureau recognizes businesses and organizations that are committed to excellence and consumer confidence. We are proud to once again receive a Winner of Distinction Award. | |
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October was filled with creativity, costumes, and candy! From pumpkins on parade to a Halloween Spooktakular, our families enjoyed plenty of opportunities to get creative.
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Dates to Remember
November is Preemie Awareness Month
November 11
Veterans Day
We salute our veterans on this day of tribute.
November 20
World Children's Day
A day of recognition aimed at raising global awareness of children's rights and welfare.
November 24
Gratitude Dinner
Hosted by the Faris Foundation
November 27
Thanksgiving
Families will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving lunch with turkey and all the fixings.
November 29
Holcombe House Holiday Lights
The Rice University men's basketball team will help install outdoor holiday lights at Holcombe House.
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