Mission & History

Our Mission

We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Our Vision

A world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

Our Values

We lead with compassion

We are deeply respectful

We act with integrity

We are firmly committed

History

In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened its doors in Philadelphia.  At the time, the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles’ football player Fred Hill was undergoing treatment for leukemia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Eagles’ General Manager Jim Murray offered the team’s support to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the pediatric oncology unit who had dreamed of a comfortable temporary residence for the families of the patients. The Eagles partnered with local McDonald’s restaurant owners to raise funds that would help purchase and renovate a house close to the hospital that became the first Ronald McDonald House.

Today, there are 385+ Ronald McDonald Houses in 49 countries and regions, 270+ Family Rooms, and 40+ Care Mobile programs located around the globe. Every local Chapter is an independently operated not-for-profit corporation.

RMHCAA’s Story

Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor has served more than 32,000 families since opening our doors in 1985.  Spearheaded by the Junior Service League (now the Junior League of Ann Arbor), the project was a collaborative effort with Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and the community. Originally able to accommodate 24 families each night, an expansion in 1992 increased that number to 29. A second House built on the 10th floor of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital added another 12 rooms in 2011. Two additional family guest rooms were constructed in the Main House in 2018, bringing the total number of rooms to 43. Our two Houses make RMHCAA the largest Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapter in Michigan.