Bella Baby Photography began with a stay-at-home mom and her camera. Now, our talented team of photographers work in hospitals and communities nationwide. Today, we are excited to share with you a significant milestone in our journey — our contribution to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
As a company, we see families through many happy stages of life from welcoming a new baby to 1st birthdays and family portraits. However, we know many families deal with unexpected illnesses and hospitalizations. That’s why Bella Baby Photography pledged to raise $10,000 for Ronald McDonald Houses in the communities we serve. Every order placed with Bella Baby Photography during November 2023 contributed toward our goal.
About RMHC
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provides overnight stays at their Ronald McDonald houses, so families can stay together during the child’s hospital stay. RMHC has 260 chapters in 60 countries and has provided over 2.2 million overnight stays for families in need. Houses have fully equipped community kitchens and laundry rooms available to families throughout their stay. Volunteers visit the houses daily to prepare home-cooked meals for the families. Families are also welcome to prepare their meals using donated non-perishable or personal food items. A donation of $10 per night is suggested, but RMHC will never turn a family away based on their ability to contribute.
Our Contribution to RMHC
This February, members of our team visited Ronald McDonald Houses to deliver our donations. Our area managers delivered checks to 10 Ronald McDonald Houses in some of the most populated areas we serve. Each $1000 check provides 10 overnight stays to families at the houses.
Illinois
Chicago, IL area manager, Andrea, met Sam at the Ronald McDonald House near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. This house can host 11 families at a time. In addition to a full dining room and kitchen, the house has an outside play area, a library, and a toy room where kids can pick out a new toy. The Ronald McDonald House provides 1 meal a day to anyone staying there. They are always happy to pair up for volunteer opportunities, including cooking meals for the families staying at the house.
Andrea also met with Meg of the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie’s in Chicago, IL. This 16-floor building was full at the time of Andrea’s visit and had a waitlist of over 20 families. This house has 80 rooms, a full kitchen, and a chef that prepares 2 meals per day. The building also has a living room, a library, a gaming space, and more. Families are welcome to stay as long as they need free of change. All services are provided by donations, and they are always looking to team up with volunteers to provide family activities or meals.
Iowa
Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines serves families all over the state. Our Iowa area manager and one of our Iowa photographers visited the Ronald McDonald House near Blank Children’s Hospital. It is located next to IMMC, where the Blank Children’s Hospital has one of the leading NICUs in the state of Iowa. This House has 18 bedrooms, a laundry room, shared kitchens and dining room, a living room, and toy rooms. Families may utilize their room for as long as their child remains at the medical facility.
Colorado
Our Colorado Area Manager, Amanda, visited RMHC in Denver. Ronald McDonald House Denver has 73 rooms and 3 kitchens. It also has a laundry room on every floor. The house has 5 TV lounges, dens, and indoor/outdoor play areas. The Denver House is located within walking distance of two hospitals: Presbyterian St. Luke’s/Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Thank You!
Bella Baby is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities in their mission to keep families together during their child’s medical treatment. Our contribution to RMHC will help families stay together during treatment. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to our fundraising goal in November! Thank you to our area managers for visiting their local Ronald McDonald Houses to deliver our contribution checks. We look forward to continuing to support RMHC and the Houses in our communities.
