Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMCH) got an extra serving of Bobcat hospitality with their dinners on January 12.
A dozen members of the alumni group Ohio University Pride Society spent that Friday night cooking and serving families staying at Columbus’ Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home, meals and other assistance to families with seriously ill children receiving care at nearby hospitals.
Through RMCH’s Team Cuisine program, the alumni prepared dinner with the help of a chef. In addition to their time, the group donated $450 to cover ingredients for up to 150 servings.
undefined“It’s the beginning of the year, and people want to do good things. The Ronald McDonald House lends itself to people wanting to help that organization. And it is LGBTQ-friendly,” Pride Society President Amy Flowers, MPA ’08, said. Located in Columbus, the Ohio University Pride Society is an OHIO Alumni Association group that aims to promote and facilitate the active involvement of LGBTA alumni and friends.
undefinedFlowers said the Team Cuisine program was an opportunity for them to expand their social gatherings and their meeting venues, while giving back.
undefined“The chef gave us instructions, and people just got to it. People were having fun. It felt good to be there and to do this with each other,” Flowers said. Flowers said the event also provided new members a chance to bond with other Bobcats, whom they met for the first time.
undefinedThe volunteers also received a tour of the facility, which is the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world with its three floors and 137 guest rooms where families stay. The families sleep in “beds instead of staying in an uncomfortable chair at a hospital [while their child is cared for],” Ohio University Pride Society Activity Director Kristin Torres, BA ’00, said. They also receive three meals a day and have full use of the kitchen. Essentially, it is their home away from home. The alumni learned that the majority of the charity’s budget is in the form of donations and volunteer service. “For that [large facility] to be staffed mostly by volunteers is really huge. When I think about donating in the future to organizations, I’m always going to think of them now,” Torres said.
undefinedThe Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio is also a beneficiary of the Association’s student-run yearlong fundraiser BobcaThon. The annual event culminates with a lively 24-hour dance marathon. This year’s dance marathon takes place February 17 at Baker University Center.