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Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that we are entering the final months of 2026. Thanks to your generosity, partnership and dedication, thus far in 2026, 582 families on a difficult medical journey have found hope and comfort near their child’s medical care. But the year is not over, and we are excited to share with you what comes next.
We are looking forward to celebrating our annual fundraising gala, the Red Shoe Ball. This event is more than an evening of celebration, it is a chance to recognize the people who make our work possible, share the impact of the mission and look toward a brighter future for families in need. You will find out much more about this event in this newsletter and our website.
Though many families are not able be to be home for the holidays, with your help, we are able to bring the spirit of the season to them. It won’t be long before the Houses are filled with festive décor, seasonal meals and treats, and families making special visits to the toy room.
Additionally, our end-of-year campaign will highlight the idea that Family Stays. That sentiment creates an opportunity to come together and support the families who benefit from our collective kindness.
As I conclude this letter, I am reminded that our greatest strength at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown is our community. Every supporter, volunteer, donor and advocate brings something meaningful to our shared mission. Thank you for being a part of our journey this time of year and all year round.
Take Care,
| | There are many reasons to smile at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown because of you. Take a look at just a few… | | Smiles were blooming all over the Ronald McDonald House when families had the opportunity to “Build a Bouquet” thanks to a special donation of flowers from Story Blooms. | What a Difference a Day Makes | |
During two distinct Giving Days, our amazing supporters were invited to demonstrate their commitment to the Ronald McDonald House Care Mobile as well as the lodging fund. Through #OneDay Critical Needs Alert Day and Erie Gives Day, over $8,000 was generated and designated specifically to help families. The power of community and the simple act of coming together so generously is always special.
| | Providing a nourishing meal for families is a much-appreciated and much-needed service at Ronald McDonald House. Recently, employees of Welty Energy Group spent the day prepping, cooking, and serving lunch at Ronald McDonald House, giving families comfort, nourishment, and the opportunity to spend more time at their child’s bedside. | | |
Welcome to Chelsea Lehr, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House: Morgantown. As the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Chelsea will work with individuals and groups who volunteer their time to bring extra comfort to families staying at the House by preparing meals; collecting Wish List items; helping with tasks around the House and hosting family activities. Chelsea will also oversee the Red Shoe Crew, a group of West Virginia University students dedicated to supporting families through multiple service projects around the House.
| | “Something that is very special to me about working at Ronald McDonald House is knowing and seeing the effects of what we do here at the house for the families. I can’t imagine what each person is going through on a day-to-day basis, and it means a lot to be able to add something even if small to help others and make a difference in their day. I also have the privilege of being able to work with volunteers and seeing what they do to make a difference.” - Chelsea | | With 20 sacks already recorded this Steelers season, the 'Sacks for Kids' program is off to a great start. For the 11th consecutive year, the law firm of Bordas and Bordas is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Steelers to support families at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown. Bordas and Bordas has pledged to donate $500 to the House for every sack the Steelers make this season. | |
“For more than a decade, 'Sacks for Kids' has turned big moments on the field into meaningful support for families facing some of the hardest days of their lives,” said Jamie Bordas, managing partner of Bordas and Bordas. “We are proud to stand with the Steelers and Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown in a program that reflects what this region does best: rally around families when they need us most. We look forward to cheering for plenty of sacks this season and, more importantly, the difference each one will make.”
With 55 sacks recorded last season, $27,500 was donated. Since 2015, 'Sacks for Kids' has raised over $320,000.
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Pittsburgh Penguins alternate captain Evgeni Malkin will continue his 'I’m Score for Kids' initiative benefiting Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown families for a fifth-consecutive season during the 2026-27 campaign.
Launched prior to the 2022-23 season, Malkin has committed to donating $710 per each of his regular season points to Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown. Adding to the excitement of this initiative, local McDonald’s owner/operators have pledged to match Malkin’s donation again this season.
| Malkin, who tallied 61 points in 2025-26, donated $43,310 last season, which local McDonald’s restaurants then matched bringing the total donation to $86,620. Over the course of Malkin’s 'I’m Score for Kids' initiative, $370,620 has been donated to the organization. | | |
It’s a library with a twist. Families at Ronald McDonald House: Morgantown now have another way to make special memories together, thanks to a newly wrapped book vending machine and a generous collection of books from the Healing Chapters Foundation. Known as the Laurel Leaf Library, a name with nod to Appalachia and a place to turn a leaf and find a tale, the centrally-located library is a huge hit with families. Whether it’s a favorite story at bedtime, a fun adventure during a long day, or a few quiet moments together, these books give families staying at the House something to enjoy while they’re away from home.
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Summer vibes and smiles were everywhere at the End-of-Summer Spectacular at Ronald McDonald House: Pittsburgh. No matter where you went in the House, from the rooftop deck to the living room to the main entrance where the Kona Ice truck was stationed, families were enjoying carnival games, face painting, and sweet treats, like cotton candy and popcorn.
“It was such a fun time, and it gave us a chance to forget about why we are here for a while” – Ronald McDonald House Mom.
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Dancing, dining and dazzling lights - In just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating the mission and families of Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown Under the Northern Lights at the 2026 Red Shoe Ball. The event, presented by JPMorganChase, is an elegant evening with a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and live and online auctions. The heart of the program will be a powerful story of a family who found comfort and community at Ronald McDonald House.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
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Planned Giving
Including Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh Morgantown in your will is a thoughtful way to ensure your kindness will leave a lasting impact.
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Matching Gifts
Did you know? Many companies match their employees’ charitable giving which means one gift can have wice the impact!
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POPs
From elementary school classes to senior living residents, everyone in the community can channel their passion into a project that supports families.
| | More at ronaldmcdonaldhousepghmgtn.org | | | | |
