Author: Bruce Yanagihara: Realtor, Partner, Broker in Charge
A long, long time ago a friend called me and wanted some help for the Ronald McDonald House. I found out that Ronald McDonald does not live at the Ronald McDonald House (gasp!) but it was actually a house to take care of families with seriously ill children that were being treated at one of the hospitals in Honolulu.
So, I started out volunteering with the fundraising committee and have since come full circle formerly serving as President and currently Secretary on the Board of Directors . I am also the co-chair for the committee that puts together the annual RMHC-HI Golf Classic. This is now my 16th year being involved with this caring organization.
Bruce and the gang
Ronald McDonald House: Serving Families and Children
Hawaii’s Ronald McDonald House (RMH) is the cornerstone program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Hawaii (RMHC-HI). Since opening its doors in 1987, Hawaii’s RMH program has served literally thousands of guests. Honolulu’s two Ronald McDonald Houses are in continual operation, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year -- and they serve not only the Hawaiian Islands but the whole Pacific region, including Guam, Saipan, Samoa and beyond. RMHC also provides a Family Room at Kapiolani Hospital which offers a place of respite and support for families who spend long hours at their child’s bedside.
Oahu Ronald Mcdonald Houses
Happy 25th Birthday, Ronald McDonald House!
The first Ronald McDonald House was founded by Fred and Fran Hill in Philadelphia back in 1974, and supported by the sales of Shamrock Shakes. I had the pleasure of helping to host the Hills when they travelled to Honolulu to help us observe the big 25th anniversary. Recently, I traveled to Hilo to speak to the Hilo Rotary Club about the wonderful services RMCH provides, and to emcee a special event celebrating the 25th anniversary at the Prince Kuhio Plaza I also attended a 25th anniversary event that took place on March 27, 2012 at the Judd Hillside Ronald House.
Bruce helping celebrate 25 years of Ronald McDonald House.
Upcoming Events?
Three more big events are scheduled before the end of the year to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of RMHC-HI. Here are details
- June 25, Sam Choy’s Breakfast Lunch and Crab’s anniversary event is a benefit for RMHC-HI.
- July 19, the annual RMHC-HI Golf Classic takes place at Mamala Bay Golf Course on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
- November 18, RMHC-HI will be presenting its annual “Share-a-Night Gala” at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
Why do I do it? and how can you get involved?
Being involved with the Ronald McDonald House has been a incredibly rich and rewarding experience. Watching kids that have gone through major medical complications and seeing them come out on the other side happy and healthy really encourages me to continue serving this organization.
If you are interested in helping Ronald McDonald House, Call me at 381-3435 or check out the RMHC website at http://www.ronaldhousehawaii.org/ for more information. Think about being a volunteer and/ or donor. It will make you feel good!