4 Star Logo


Charity Navigator awards 4 star rating

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay has achieved Charity Navigator's coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Approximately a quarter of the charities evaluated have received this highest rating, indicating that RMHCTB outperforms most other charities in America.

This "exceptional" designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

In Honor of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a day to celebrate and honor the important women in your life. At Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, we are constantly reminded of the bond between mother and child. Each day, the moms staying at RMH are consumed by the care of their sick or injured child. Their strength and courage is an inspiration for all mothers. For Kelly Jackson the past ten weeks has strengthened this unflagging bond with her child.

Imagine the horror of watching your child being hit by a dump truck. That’s exactly what happened toIsaiah Jackson Kelly's husband Sergio, as he followed his seven-year old son Isaiah on his first bike ride home from school. Sergio was behind Isaiah when a red light came between them and he was forced to stop his vehicle. In the next moment, his son was flying 29 feet through the air in front of his eyes.

That was in late February, when an unconscious Isaiah was immediately transported to All Children’s Hospital. Incredibly, there were no broken bones but the impact of his brain hitting his skull put him into a coma. Kelly, Isaiah’s mother had suffered a similar accident 20 years ago that left her in a coma and the similarities gave her nightmares. The second night, she was sleeping fitfully in his room at All Children’s Hospital when a case worker suggested she get a room at the nearby Ronald McDonald House.

Over the next five weeks, Sergio and Kelly stayed at Ronald McDonald House Central while they tended to their injured son. Just after Easter, Isaiah began speaking and regaining his health. For the following five weeks, the Jacksons stayed at RMH Tampa while Isaiah underwent therapy. His progress is “an inspiration to everyone in the rehab department” according to Sergio. Isaiah has made remarkable progress in relearning how to walk and talk. Sergio credits Dr. Kornberg and Bonnie Rice from the rehab team, commenting on how amazing they have been with his son.

Before the accident, seven-year old Isaiah was a two-time state wrestling champion, active in baseball and tae kwon do. This gift for sports has served him well in his rehabilitation, and the therapists are using moves from those sports in his recovery.

Isaiah is so well liked at Tampa General Rehabilitation that they threw him a farewell party on his last day, a mere ten weeks after his accident. His school in Sarasota orchestrated a food drive in his honor, collecting numerous pantry items for RMH and raising $700 in donations.

When asked what the Jacksons knew of RMH prior to this accident, they commented that more people need to understand what this charity does for families. “RMH is a Godsend,” says Sergio, expressing a sentiment common among RMH families. Kelly nods approvingly. Isaiah is all smiles when he talks about going home to see his dog. He has an extraordinary spirit that will serve him well through the therapy that lies ahead on his road to recovery.

To honor your mother or special woman in your life, please consider making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House so that families like Isaiah's will have a place to stay when they need it most.

 


2012 Storybook Ball - The Cat in the Hat

Presented by
WalgreensCat in the Hat

Saturday, May 19, 2012
6pm - Midnight
A La Carte Event Pavilion, Tampa
Join us for some tricks & kicks! We look forward to seeing you there.

SPONSORSHIP BOOKLET
IN-KIND DONATION FORM




Building the American Dream

The story of the Klingel Family is a reminder that the "American Dream" is aliveRob and Diane Klingel
and well. As owners ofa multigenerational family business, TSE Industries, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, they prove that hard work and innovation can take you a long way.

This American success story....read more



Spreading Smiles - Callie's Story

Callie Anderson

Three year old Callie Anderson loves to walk the halls of All Children's Hospital in her Tinkerbell and Cinderella costumes. She waves her wand at the doctors and nurses to help them care for all the sick children.

READ THE FULL STORY

 

Volunteer Profile - Brian Sutton

Brian Sutton is a recent retiree who volunteers at the Central House and the East House.  He is Brian Suttonalways willing to help with minor repairs and assisting families with their needs. Most especially, he is someone that the Central House Manager can leave at the front desk while she runs errands - she says that is priceless! Brian has also done some shopping from time to time to help our house with meals and pantry items which is greatly appreciated.








Kids Making a Difference

Five-year old Eugene Ross collected 14,000 tabs to help the families staying at the Ronald McDonald EugeneHouse! Check out his YouTube video.

Aria Reynolds, the Miller sisters, Grace Halula, Kyra Knapp and Callista Moss are using their networking skills to act as ambassadors for RMH in their community, getting donations and in-kind items to help our families. Alyssa Streicher makes meals at the St. Pete House. Madeline Lechner, Abby and Garrett Toenjes and Macy Miacco donate their carefully-saved money or ask for donations for RMH instead of getting birthday gifts. Bella and Cross Esposito sold their toys and grapefruits and donated their hard-earned cash to us.

We are inspired by these wonderful kids who are learning about philanthropy at an early age.



Tampa House Renovation - ROOM FOR CHANGE

We need your help. The Tampa Ronald McDonald House, built 19 years ago, needs a renovation. After caring for 5,984 families, this well-used and much-loved house needs a makeover!

In order to purchase new furniture, drapes, carpet, cabinets and updates for all of the bedrooms and common areas of the House, we are kicking off a $250,000 campaign.

Each year, 100 volunteers welcome more than 300 pediatric families to this House, while 350 home-made meals are lovingly prepared by friends in the community. Families cherish having a quiet place to call their home-away-from-home close to their child's bedside, gathering strength in the privacy of their bedroom to deal with the anxieties of their child's illness. They deserve to have the best that we can offer.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Tampa Bay

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Tampa Bay provides comfort and care to children and their families by supporting local Ronald McDonald Houses®, its cornerstone program, and by making grants to other local not-for-profit organizations that help children in need. The Ronald McDonald House® of Tampa Bay provides a home-away-from-home for families of pediatric patients in area hospitals.