The house that love built
Phoenix Children's Hospital hosts future site of Ronald McDonald House
The hospitalization of a sick child is one of the most difficult experiences for a family. And many families have to travel long distances to get the best care for their child. During this stressful time, the financial burden of a hotel or a long commute can be severe for families with children in the hospital.
These families need a "home away from home" to rest, regroup, regain their strength, share support with other families facing similar circumstances, and most importantly, be close to their children.
That's why Phoenix Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix have joined forces to provide families with a new home featuring 18 guest rooms, a reception entry, full-service kitchen, social dining area, family-friendly activity room, and full-service business offices.
Best of all, the new house will be located right on the campus of Phoenix Children's Hospital, just off 20th Street at Cambridge Street. The Ronald McDonald House at Phoenix Children's Hospital is under construction and scheduled to open in early 2008.
This will be the second Ronald McDonald House to serve the Valley. The original house is located at 501 E. Roanoke Ave, and has 45 private rooms. When the new house is complete, there will be space for 63 families.
The $3.2 million, 17,300 square-foot multi-story home is funded with proceeds from the two-phase $6.2 million Building the Future with Love campaign. Phoenix Children's was a major contributor to the campaign, and donated the land, which Ronald McDonald House Charities will lease for the "McReasonable" price of just $1 per year. The hospital's financial contribution was made possible thanks to a philanthropic commitment from Michael Jedlowski, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture HomeStore, and his family.
Ground-breaking ceremonies took place on May 24, 2007 and construction began immediately.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House, visit their website.
