Miami, FL – July 1, 2015 – Most people are familiar with McDonald’s, but what some may not know is that the famed hamburger joint, along with the assistance of volunteers, has been actively lending a home to critically ill children and their families through the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. In 1984, Ronald McDonald House Charities were officially established as a world-wide non profit organization in memory of McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, a strong advocate for children. Currently, there are now more than 310 Houses throughout the world which provide a comfortable and supportive living environment for over 6,000 families every night. Each House is independently operated by a local board of trustees and is responsible for their own fundraising. South Florida currently has two houses. The Miami house helps thirty-one families at a time. The house in Fort Lauderdale assists sixteen families.

Much of Ronald McDonald House’s success is based on the hard work and charitable acts of many philanthropic individuals. You may have seen her jetting around town attending the latest charity functions, but for Miami philanthropist, Linda Levy Goldberg, this is simply all in a days work. Many years ago, Levy Goldberg, was invited by the former director, Norma Jean Ober, to visit the Ronald McDonald House. When she saw what the families were going through, she was in shock. Not long after, she was asked to help out and create a fundraiser, and she couldn’t say no.

Levy Goldberg has been a co-chairman of the Twelve Good Men luncheon for twenty-five years. The luncheon, benefitting the Ronald McDonald House, is to honor twelve outstanding men in the community who give themselves and their time to local charities every year. Fortunately, past honorees still stay actively involved and support the luncheon each and every year. On March 9th 2016, Levy Goldberg along with fellow co-chairs will be hosting the Twelve Good Men luncheon at the Coral Gable Country Club.

Linda Levy Goldberg

“Working with the Ronald McDonald House has taught me to always be grateful because life is very fragile and there is nothing more important than health and family.” says Levy Goldberg. “Every time I go to the Ronald McDonald House I am so inspired by the faith, grace, and hope that the families have that stay at the Ronald McDonald House.” Dealing with the life threatening illness of a child can be beyond heart breaking. Many children that come to stay at the Ronald McDonald House are dealing with multiple organ transplants, Leukemia, recovering from accidents and more. In times of need it can be extremely hard for a family to cope with such a travesty and can often feel very alone. Fortunately, the families who are staying at the house are very supportive of each other and the comforts of the House such as cooking facilities, lounge areas and playroom all help to make their hard time a little easier. “I was at a meeting at the House once and a wonderful smell was coming from one of the kitchens,” explained Levy Goldberg. “A woman who had previously stayed at the Ronald McDonald House with her son, had come back to make a delicious paella for all of the people still at the house. She was a humble woman and it was such a beautiful and generous gesture.”

Working with the Ronald McDonald House has taught me to always be grateful because life is very fragile and there is nothing more important than health and family.

Linda Levy Goldberg

Linda Levy Goldberg & Soraya Rivera-Moya

Families with children at the house are critically or chronically ill and travel to South Florida looking for the best medical care for their child. The Ronald McDonald House assists families with newborn children up to twenty-one years old with any type of pediatric condition. The average length of stay at the Miami House is forty five days. The purpose of the house is for families to be together and interact with others in similar or worse conditions. Children who are outpatients also can stay at the house, and have a lot of fun activities scheduled on a daily basis to keep their minds away from their illnesses.

People may say that they are too busy, or don’t have the time to lend a helping hand but what many don’t realize is that a little effort can go a long way. “You wouldn’t decide to start running and run a marathon the next day, it is the same way with volunteering,” exclaims Levy Goldberg. “You can give a few hours a month and start from there.” It is as simple as contacting the organization and finding out how you can help. At the Ronald McDonald House volunteers, corporations, organizations and even individuals come in and host activities for the kids. These kinds of activities also helps the families staying there know other people out there care.

The activities scheduled at the Ronald McDonald House are all family oriented. Activities can range from field trips to different South Florida spots, arts and crafts, yoga, haircuts, makeovers for mothers, breakfast, lunch or dinner and are all provided by the community. Volunteers range from elementary children to adults and can assist anywhere from the office, special events, cooking for the families, and maintenance items. Being a volunteer is one of the greatest ways to give back to our community. While it is wonderful to give monetary donations, giving back a little of your time can impact so many people in truly meaningful ways. Whether you have one hour of your time to donate or twenty, any time donated is impactful.

 

Soraya Rivera-Moya

Soraya Rivera-Moya’s role as Executive Director is to lead the staff and Board members to accomplish Ronald McDonald House’s mission, financial goals, and most important assist families with their needs while their child heals at the hospital.

Grace de Valle

Monetary donations are essential for house operations which can include everything from the electrical bill to general maintenance. Any amount donated is always appreciated. Items from the Ronald McDonald House Miami wish list include paper towels, trash bags, and cleaning products. All items donated must be new for the health and safety of the families staying at the house.

As the word spreads, more and more families are eager to stay and receive assistance from the house. The Ronald McDonald House plans to expand to be able to assist more families, as there is currently a waiting list at both Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale facilities. There is a real need for more space; the house is a community that families can rely for emotional support and a place where they do not have to worry where are they going to eat, sleep or do laundry. Families of sick children can always count on the Ronald McDonald House. Excitingly, there is now plans to open another house within the next two years.

Samantha & John Jackson, & Soraya Rivera-Moya

Samantha Jackson