Ronald McDonald House Summer Picnic 2011

It's once again summer and the smell of grilling is a typical scent around town these days.  This is no exception at the Ronald McDonald House.  Each year employees of Southwest Airlines serve a couple different meals to the guests of the RMH; a summer picnic which usually involves barbecuing and then again in November, a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The RMH is our largest charity.
So last night we gathered at the local RMH and brought all the makings for a BBQ:  hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, buns, chips, soda and cookies for dessert.  Nothing complicated. 
Six employees from our local station here in Omaha were there to grill the dogs and burgers and also to set up the buffet-style counter top with the rest of the food and serving items.  A couple of friends also attended to lend support, one of which was a former SWA employee.  The volunteers of the RMH called each room to notify the guests that the meal was ready to eat and they slowly trickled in to join us.  It's always fun to look at the large map of the USA that hangs on the wall in the dining room.  On it, names of the guests are placed on their respective home towns, which shows just how far they travel just to receive the necessary treatment needed for their children, here in Omaha.  Some even come from other countries! 
But meeting the guests and seeing all the little babies and kids is fun as well.  Seeing them with their little IV's and oxygen bottles, or even cosmetic scars from surgery makes us realize how lucky we are not to have the issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.  

Employees and a couple friends that helped serve our meal.

The weather cooperated and even though it was a bit warm, the clouds helped to shade the patio where the grill stands.  Thanks go out to all the people that helped to make the meal a success. 

A salute to Ronald McDonald

Today is the anniversary of Southwest Airlines, which started air service back in 1971. And Southwest Airlines is a proud sponsor of the Ronald McDonald Houses all over the United States. So what better day to host a BBQ for all the families staying there!
I, being the treasurer of our local SWA Culture Committee, drove to Sam's Club to buy all the food that we needed to cook. The Ronald McDonald Houses of America are run completely by donations and volunteers. Anything they have is given to them and the people that help run each facility is out of the goodness of their own hearts. For anyone that isn't familiar with them, RMH's are simply a place provided to families of young children that are in a hospital for long term care, as a place to stay that isn't costing them a penny. And it's more like a home than a motel. Examples of the cases of illnesses would be: liver disease, premature births with complications, heart disease, lung cancer, etc. The list of problems that can occur goes on forever. Each family is given a room to stay in, keys to the doors that remained locked 24/7, a cupboard in the kitchen to store all their own food (that is also locked up), and a space in the refridgerators. The facility has a huge kitchen with many places to lounge-much like a regular house. Family rooms with tvs, a large laundry room with several machines, a big back yard with playground equipment for kids that are well enough to use them, BBQ grills on the patio. You name it, it's probably got it!
The house here in Omaha has a huge map on the wall of the USA with the names of each family currently staying there, located on the map coinciding with where they are from. It's very interesting to see how far away some have come to get the proper medical care needed for the children. And while we sit and eat our meals, we may have some very interesting conversations with these families.
They appreciate the meals that are cooked for them simply because they don't have to worry about what to make or they may be too tired from being at the hospital most of the day and have no ambition to cook.
Tonight I had the honor of doing the cooking. One small 7 year old girl, Makur, was my constant helper. She had a million questions! And she was dressed like a young pirate! How cute she was!
It's a very inspiring environment to be in even if for a short time. It definitely makes our daily life and annoying problems that we all have, seem very small after learning just what each of those small people is going through.
If you're ever looking for a worthwhile cause, look into your local RMH. Or you can even save pop tabs for them. They take them for recycling. It's an easy and very much appreciated donation. Other ways of donating would be to give things such as food products, paper products, movies to watch on tv, stuffed animals, soda. Or you can call your local facility and check with them to see just what they need the most. You'll be glad you did!

Ronald McDonald House

As I've written about it before, the Ronald McDonald House is one of Southwest Airlines biggest charities. Back in November, we held a Thanksgiving dinner for the residents. I just recently received the pictures below from one of my co-workers so I didn't get this posted at the time.

We had a record number of employees attend. Even though there were many residents staying there at the time, not many were at the dinner. They were either at the hospital or in their respective rooms. By the time the night was over, we had 14 employees there! In all the years I've been volunteering for these meals, I've never seen that many there! It was great!

Aside from having the main course catered, the employees brought all the other side dishes. There was a huge spread to choose from: Sweet potatoes, salad, rolls, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, ham, baked macaroni and cheese, corn, many pies and brownies. I'm sure I forgot something!

The spread of food!!!

It's so fun to sit and talk with the people that are staying there. A huge map is posted on the dining room wall and the names of the families staying there are tacked to the respective state that they are from. It's amazing how far away they come from to receive treatment at one of our local hospitals.

Twice a year we visit the RMH. One time in the summer for a BBQ and again in the fall, usually in November for a dinner such as this one. But they take donations at ANY time of the year. It's strictly a non profit organization.

It really makes you realize how lucky you are to be healthy. The majority of the residents there are children. Many of them just babies. Many of them have oxygen bottles or IVs that they have to carry with them even though they aren't at the hospital.

Employees and residents alike enjoying the big meal.

A little blurry....but here I am with two other ramp employees and a resident at the end of the table.

Employees in attendance....prior to others that came after work.

I encourage you to read the web site I provided above on this remarkable charity. It's definitely worth the time. Any type of donation you can give is appreciated. They not only take monetary donations, but they also need items to support daily living. Food, paper articles, bedding, kitchen items, etc. It's all needed!

Have a great holiday and a blessed new year!