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.