In This Issue:
UPCOMING EVENTS

AUGUST
Topping Off Ceremony
August 5, 10:30 a.m. to Noon. RSVP required.

Volunteer Information Session for Adults
August 18, 2015, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sign up  here.

SEPTEMBER
Volunteer Information Session for Teens
September 1, 2015, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Register  here. 

Volunteer Information Session for Adults
September 15, 2015, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sign up  here.
From the San Francisco Chronicle:

S.F. Design Center pitches in on world's largest 
Ronald McDonald House
Florence Wu, A contributing designer for the  Ronald McDonald House at Stanford's expansion project, at the Robert Allen showroom at the SF Design Center in San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle 

We're Making News!

 

Anh-Minh Lee, Home & Garden writer for The San Francisco Chronicle highlights Ronald McDonald House at Stanford's partnership with the San Francisco Design Center (SFDC). 

 

As part of the SFDC's "Where Hope has a Home" initiative, 48 design firms are providing pro bono services for the House's ambitious expansion and renovation project. Award-winning Interior designers Geoffrey De Sousa and Elizabeth Martin are SFDC's campaign co-chairs. 


To learn more about SFDC's Where Hope has a Home campaign, please visit the campaign website

Read the SF Chronicle article here.
You're Invited

Please join us at our "Topping Off" ceremony to celebrate as we publicly announce the completion of the exterior construction on our 52,000-square-foot expansion.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, August 5, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon

 

WHERE: 520 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto

  • Enjoy light refreshments.
  • Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended. 
  • Parking available at Stanford Shopping Center.

RSVP REQUIRED by July 31

 

Email Clarisse San Agustin, development coordinator, or call 650-470-6034.


Framing on the building exterior is near completion, culminating in the "Topping Off" ceremony to take place on August 5. Click the image to view the construction photo diary.

For more information on the Hope is Growing campaign or to view our construction webcam, please visit  www.hopeisgrowingcampaign.org.



SUE MELLBERG
Sue Mellberg, House volunteer

Shortly after moving to Menlo Park five years ago, Sue Mellberg first noticed Ronald McDonald House at Stanford while out for a walk in her new neighborhood. A former intensive care nurse, Sue was looking for a way to get involved in her local community and volunteering at the House seemed like a perfect fit. In no time, Sue joined the House team as a volunteer Housewarmer--greeting and assisting House families and visitors alike.


As a former ICU nurse, Sue had witnessed firsthand the struggle families go through on a daily basis when a loved one is hospitalized.

"Sometimes it was very difficult to watch families facing the worst of times," explains Sue. "I've seen families that have nowhere to stay while desperately trying to remain close to the hospital. Having witnessed their pain makes me truly appreciate everything the House does to keep families together under the most difficult of circumstances." Read entire story.


ANNOUNCING OUR NEW PARTNER - TREETOPIA

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Treetopia, a San Francisco-based online retailer of artificial decorative trees and decorations for use at the holidays and throughout the year. 

 

As part of the company's Christmas in July celebration, five percent of the company's total proceeds for the month will be donated to Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. In addition, the company will be decorating the common areas where families gather together to create a wonderful setting for the holidays.  

 

We are very appreciative of Treetopia's generosity and look forward to working with them throughout the year to create an environment that allows families to celebrate holiday traditions and special occasions just like they would at home. 

 

For anyone interested in getting a jump on their holiday decorating needs by purchasing a top-quality tree that will last for many years to come please visit Treetopia at www.treetopia.com. A portion of your purchase will help support House programs and services.   

INTRODUCING AMAZON SMILE

If you're like us, shopping with Amazon is second nature. Now your everyday Amazon shopping can help families and children staying at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

 

Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the House every time you shop with Amazon, at no cost to you. When you shop with Amazon Smile, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to support House programs and services.     

 

Getting started is easy! Simply click the image above and begin shopping with Amazon Smile today! 

AT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE at STANFORD

There are many ways, large and small, to get involved with Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. We welcome you to join our House community of support by contributing in whatever way you can. 

Below are some special opportunities to help children and families staying at the House feel at home.
CALL FOR DONATIONS*
We rely on the generosity of donors in our community to help provide much-needed funds, goods, and services for critically ill children and families. We welcome donations of new and unused items at the House front office seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Right now, we have a special need for:

 

HAPPY WHEELS Hospitality Cart Items
(donations accepted year-round)
BACK TO SCHOOL
(donations accepted year-round) 
  • travel-sized toothpaste/toothbrushes
  • small infant toys (rattles, teethers, etc.)
  • individual 100-calorie snack packs
  • character-themed or fun backpacks for grades K-5

  • lunch boxes for grades K-5

  • pencil sharpeners

  • index cards

  • one subject notebooks

  • highlighters

  • erasers

  • 16 or 24 pack crayons

  • 12 pack colored pencils

  • glue sticks

  • child-friendly scissors

LUNCH 2 GO/SNACK 2 GO
(donations accepted year-round) 
HEALING GARDEN ITEMS
(donations accepted year-round) 

House families often don't have time to sit down and enjoy a healthy lunch or snack. You can help keep busy parents and kids fueled on the go by gathering your friends or coworkers and bagging up some nutritious lunches and portable snacks and delivering them to thankful families at the House. Lunch2Go and Snack2Go are ideal group activities for volunteers under 16 years of age. Email elee@rmhstanford.org for more information.

  • gardening gloves
  • gardening tools (spades, etc.)
  • knee pads


NEW! Donate your vehicle and we'll pick it up for free
 
Your unwanted vehicle can help make a difference in the lives of families caring for critically ill children.

Families are stronger when they are together, and the presence of a loving caretaker helps a sick child heal faster and cope better.

 

Donate a vehicle you're not using, and the One Car One Difference® program will auction your donation vehicle for cash for Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

 

We'll pick up your car, truck, RV, or boat free of charge, steer you through the paperwork, and help ensure a hefty tax deduction rolls your way.

 

For more information give us a call at 1-855-CARS-HELP (1-855-227-7435) or visit our website.

To learn more about making a donation or participating in a special volunteer opportunity, please contact  Erica Lee, program coordinator, at  elee@rmhstanford.org, or call 650-470-6011.

*****

*Due to infection control protocols, all donated items must be new and unused, and perishable items must be individually wrapped. 

**Bilingual Spanish/English speaking candidates for all volunteer opportunities are given priority in the application process. The minimum age for volunteering in the House is 16 years of age.
Our Mission:
Ronald McDonald House at Stanford creates a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.