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This month, Park Bank took a BIG step into our community by joining Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC-Madison) Red Shoe Roadshow initiative. Our Fitchburg branch proudly hosted the iconic big red shoe, offering visitors insight into the impactful work of their mission in the local community.  By participating in the Red Shoe Roadshow, businesses can help raise awareness and funds by featuring the red shoe and banner in the lobby of their business. In just the first few months since the Roadshow launched, it has successfully raised more than $5,000. We were thrilled to contribute by shining a light on RMHC–Madison's commendable thirty years of service to the community!

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year as a global organization - 385 House programs worldwide - their mission is built on a simple but meaningful goal: to create a home away from home for families traveling to local hospitals for pediatric care.

The Ronald McDonald House provides families with a place to rest outside the hospital, a playroom for children, bedrooms with a private bath, laundry facility, fitness room, park, free WiFi, and, of course, options for a home-cooked meal. All at no cost to the family. There are only two requirements to stay at the House in Madison: Families must have a child being treated at a local hospital and they must live more than 35 miles away. Research shows that a family presence in the hospital positively affects children's healing, and that caring for the family of a sick child is as important as caring for the child.

We had the opportunity to explore the Ronald McDonald House with Deborah Still, the Senior Director of Philanthropy for RMHC-Madison. Described as a home away from home, the House offers a welcoming environment. Despite their expansion in 2019 from 18 to 31 rooms, they often exceed capacity, but are able to host families at local partner hotels most nights when the House is full.

RMHC-Madison extends services beyond the House. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides medical services to uninsured children at "host sites" in the Rockford area. The Care Mobile serves as a pediatric clinic on wheels and offers services such as school and sports physicals, immunizations and treatment of chronic conditions. Locally, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison, provides respite for the tiniest NICU patient families without a mileage restriction.

There are numerous ways to support Ronald McDonald House Charities' commitment to families in Dane County. Volunteers are always welcome, whether assisting in preparing meals or snacks in the kitchen or taking on various roles such as House Volunteer, answering phones, cleaning, or restocking pantries. Contributions of funds or household items from their wish list are also appreciated. The cost to operate the Ronald McDonald House in Madison has increased by 72% since 2020 due to sharp increases in both demand and inflation.

The Ronald McDonald House has made a lasting impact on the Dane County community, with over 11,000 night stays annually. They host local events throughout the year, such as the “RMHC Golf Classic & Red Shoe Soiree,” “Rock Valley Golf Classic,” “#TeamRMHC-Chicago Marathon,” and "House Heroes,” which provides opportunities for community members to participate and contribute to their cause. We commend their thirty years of dedication to helping families and encourage others to learn more about how to get involved.

To learn more, visit www.rmhcmadison.org.