2003 Year of Hope Program for Toronto's Ronald McDonald House Exceeds Goals
Over 80% of Proceeds to Directly Assist Families in Need!
Toronto, ON, June, 2003 - As part of its Year of Hope Program, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House hosted a Year of Hope Celebration on May 20, 2003 at the Fairmont Royal York to thank partners for their generous support, and to raise additional funds to help families whose children are seriously ill. Guests at the celebration were entertained by Louise Pitre, star of the Broadway musical hit, Mamma Mia! In addition to a live auction with one-of-a-kind auction items including an auction for the Year of Hope Quilt created by children staying at the House and a limited number of raffle tickets for a Tiffany & Co. diamond cocktail watch, a silent auction was also held featuring original artwork centerpieces created by Toronto area secondary school students.
The Year of Hope Program along with the sold out Year of Hope Celebration, raised an impressive $460,000 net, with expenses kept to a minimal 19% of the gross income allowing over 80% of the funds raised to directly support the programs and services needed by the families that need the House on an annual basis.
"Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is independently owned and operated and must raise a minimum of 1.4 million dollars per year just to cover operating costs to stay open to the thousands of families who must seek specialized medical care in Toronto for their seriously ill child," says Joanne MacKenzie, Executive Director, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House. "We are so appreciative of this support from the community which will allow us to fund the much-needed programs and services to meet the ever-growing needs of the families who stay with us."
About Toronto's Ronald McDonald House
Toronto's Ronald McDonald House is a "home away from home" for out-of-town families whose children are receiving specialized medical care in Toronto for serious illnesses. By easing the emotional and financial burden of being away from home, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House enables families to concentrate fully on giving love and support to their child. More than just offering accommodations, the House also runs support programs and activities to help families through a difficult time. Headed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the House has a small, dedicated staff and hundreds of committed volunteers who manage its day-to-day operations, In order to keep its doors open to families in need, it relies on the support of caring corporations, individuals and foundations.
For more information please contact:
Peggy McMahan
APEX Public Relations
416-924-4442 ext 243
Our Premier Year of Hope Partner, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited
This Premier Partnership ensures that our families have comfortable and affordable accommodations, as well as the necessary support programs and services they so greatly need at the most critical time in their lives.
Our Year of Hope Season Partners
Serious illness does not take a vacation, whether it is spring, summer, winter or fall. Each season of the year, Toronto's Ronald McDonald House continues to provide support programs and other services such as holiday parties, summer day camps and special events. These support programs, special events and seasonal offerings are attributed to the support of our Partners.
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CCL Industries
Spring 2003 (March/April/May) |
Nestlé Canada Inc.
Winter 2003/04 (Dec/Jan/Feb) |
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Cossette Communication Group and Jessam Communications
Summer 2003 (June/July/August) |
CIBC Wood Gundy and
Renaissance Mutual Funds
Fall 2003 (Sept/Oct/Nov) |
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RBC Financial Group, through RBC Foundation
Winter 2003/04 (Dec/Jan/Feb) |
Scotiabank Group
Fall 2003 (Sept/Oct/Nov) |
