Ronald McDonald House Charities History
Ronald McDonald Houses are known around the world as the “Houses that Love Built™” because of the tremendous outpouring of support that makes the Houses possible. The concept of the Ronald McDonald House was founded in 1974 by the Philadelphia Eagles football team. Currently, there is a network of 280 Ronald McDonald Houses in 31 countries providing over 7,000 rooms per night to families with sick or injured children.
- The first Kansas City Ronald McDonald House began in 1980 with the purchase of a 3-story 1920s colonial home near KU Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital. The House was renovated and opened its doors with 11 bedrooms on September 19, 1981.
- In 1987, Ronald McDonald House Charities began building the second Ronald McDonald House at 25th and Cherry Streets to serve the families of children being treated primarily at The Children’s Mercy Hospital. This 19-bedroom House opened on September 19, 1988.
- The Ronald McDonald Family Room in The Children’s Mercy Hospital opened in 1997 with 7 bedrooms. This was designed for local families and those whose child is so severely ill that going more than a few steps away feels like miles.
- The new Ronald McDonald House in Longfellow Park opened on February 14, 2006. This House is across the street from the existing House on Cherry Street and has 29 guest bedrooms and 12 long-term suites.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Kansas City celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2006.