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Dear Friends,
As we step into spring, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Thanks to your generosity, dedication, and involvement, 2024 was an incredible year for our families and our mission.
Your kindness has provided comfort, care, and a home away from home for many families facing unimaginable challenges. From our fundraising events to volunteer efforts and corporate partnerships, every contribution has made a meaningful impact. Together, we are ensuring that families can stay close to their children while they receive the critical medical care they need.
In this newsletter, you will learn more about the incredible story of Dr. Audrey Evans, the visionary behind the first Ronald McDonald House. A true inspiration to us all, she dedicated her life to helping children with cancer and their families. Her story comes to life in the new movie, "Audrey’s Children," which beautifully captures her pioneering spirit and the creation of a place that has now become a global beacon of hope for families in need. The film is coming to theaters soon, and I encourage you to see it and be inspired by the woman whose compassion and dedication continue to change lives.
Thank you for being part of our Ronald McDonald House family. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead!
With Gratitude,
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Soraya Rivera-Moya
RMHC of South Florida
Executive Director
| | Audrey’s Children: A Film Honoring RMHC’s Legacy | | The inspiring story of Dr. Audrey Evans, co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House, is coming to theaters nationwide on March 28th! Audrey’s Children showcases Dr. Evans’ groundbreaking journey as a woman in medicine and her unwavering compassion for children and families facing medical hardships. The film highlights the realities RMHC families endure and the impact of providing a “home away from home.” Starring Natalie Dormer, this powerful film reminds us how one person can change the world. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more details soon on where you can watch! | |
Lauren Sánchez Inspires Young Minds at
RMHC South Florida
| | Pictured above: Lauren Sanchez, Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and philanthropist poses with children at Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. | | On December 17, 2024, we were thrilled to welcome Lauren Sánchez to RMHC South Florida, where she shared her enchanting children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space! Her visit filled our House with joy, laughter, and a powerful message about dreaming big and believing in oneself. Beyond the fun, Lauren also highlighted the importance of literacy for children facing serious health challenges. A heartfelt thank you to Lauren for fostering a love for reading and empowering our families to reach for the stars! | |
A Colorful Celebration:
RMHC of South Florida's 1st Rainbow Hour Art Exhibit
| | Pictured above: RMHC of South Florida House guests pose with RMHC Volunteer and Contemporary Visual Artist, Ivelisse Brignoni during the 1st Rainbow Hour Art Exhibit. | | On February 6, 2024, our RMHC kids showcased their incredible creativity at our very first Rainbow Hour Art Exhibit. A huge thank you to Ivelisse Brignoni for hosting art classes and supporting our young artists. We are also grateful to Divieto, Chef Mamita, Manos Misioneras, RMHC Board Members, and all our wonderful attendees for making this event a success. Every brushstroke tells a story, and we couldn’t be prouder of our little artists for sharing their hearts through art! | | 32nd Annual Twelve Good Men Luncheon | | Pictured:(Top row, right to left) Jose "Pepe" Cancio, 2025 TGM Honoree, Dr. Jose L. Dotres, 2025 TGM Honoree, Alirio Torrealba, 2025 TGM Honoree, Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director, Jason Jackson, and Hanna Kleinhans, Event Manager, 2025 TGM Honoree (Bottom row) Josh Fox, 2025 TGM Honoree, Eduardo A. Ramos, 2025 TGM Honoree, Manny Alfonso, 2025 TGM Honoree, Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director 12 Good Men and Hanna Kleinhans, Event Manager. | | |
We were honored to welcome the 2025 Twelve Good Men Honorees to RMHC South Florida for a special visit. The Honorees toured RMHC and learned about our mission and the impact we have on families in need. For over three decades, the Twelve Good Men luncheon has become the premier annual event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of South Florida. Since its inception, the event has not only raised over $1 million for the “House that Love Built,” but has also honored 372 elite movers and shakers in our community.
Each year, the funds raised during this luncheon help fund our annual operational budget for the Ronald McDonald House. Please mark your calendar for Friday, May 2nd, 2025, and plan to join us at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel for the 32nd Annual 12 Good Men Luncheon. We extend a warm invitation for you to become a part of this year’s sponsorship opportunities.
| | We are proud to announce a new initiative at RMHC South Florida, The Red Shoe Society, a group of passionate, philanthropic women committed to making a difference in the lives of families with critically ill children. Through mentorship, volunteerism, fundraising, and networking, our members create lasting impact while building meaningful connections. We are excited to welcome women who share our mission and are ready to make an impact in the lives of families when they need it most! | | 9th Annual Clays for a Cause Success | | Pictured above from left to right: Linda Schainberg Volunteer, Hanna Kleinhans, Events Manager, Dawn Compres, House Manager, Diana Moya, Volunteer, Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director, Julie Todaro, Volunteer and Elizabeth Peña, Assistant House Manager. | | Our 9th Annual Clays for a Cause event, held on January 30 & 31, 2025 at O.K. Corral Gun Club, was a tremendous success! Thanks to our incredible supporters and donors, we raised an outstanding $370,000 to support RMHC South Florida and the families we serve. We are beyond grateful to everyone who participated, sponsored, and helped make this event possible. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact, keeping families close when they need it most. | |
Double Your Donation for RMHC!
Did you know your donation to RMHC South Florida could go even further? Many companies match employee donations, doubling or even tripling your impact!
Check if your employer participates using our easy search tool when making your gift. It only takes a minute, and your support can help even more families stay close to their critically ill children.
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Shamrock Shake for RMHC
From February 10 to March 23, McDonald's is hosting a national Shamrock
Shake promotion, with $0.25 from each Shamrock Shake sold being donated to local RMHC Chapters, including RMHC of South Florida. This promotion is a wonderful opportunity for us to raise essential funds to support families. The Shamrock Shake has a rich history of making a difference, dating back to 1974 when sales from this iconic treat helped open the very first Ronald McDonald House
in Philadelphia. Today, the tradition continues nationwide, and your support can
make a significant impact on the families we serve.
Here’s how you can help:
Visit McDonald's and enjoy a Shamrock Shake knowing that $0.25 from your shake will directly support RMHC of South Florida.
| | | Fuel Hope for Families with Sunshine Gasoline | | |
From now until November 2025, every time you fuel up at participating Sunshine Gasoline stations, you’ll be making a difference for families in need! Look for RMHC-branded pumps at 50 stations and 100 pumps across South Florida—each one proudly displaying RMHC artwork on the hose and nozzle. Pump at a designated RMHC pump and 1 cent per gallon will be donated to RMHC South Florida, helping provide a “home away from home” for families with critically ill children.
You can make an impact by finding a participating station using our interactive map and snaping a photo while you fuel up, share it with #FuelHopeForFamilies, and tag @rmhcsfl Every gallon fuels hope—join us and make a difference today!
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida
1145 N.W. 14th Terrace
Miami, FL 33136
(305) 324-5683
info@rmhcsouthflorida.org
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