RMHC Teams Up with John Legend to Celebrate 50 Years of Caring for Families

Today, Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a global non-profit providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promotes healing when children need healthcare, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Ronald McDonald House program. This milestone commemorates five decades of unwavering support for families with ill or injured children across 62 countries and regions. To celebrate the anniversary, RMHC is thrilled to announce a partnership with EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and father of four John Legend.

“As a longtime RMHC supporter, I’m proud to partner with the organization to celebrate 50 years of mission delivery,” said John Legend. “My family understands the importance of having access to quality healthcare and a strong support system firsthand, reenforcing our commitment to supporting RMHC and their vision of a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.”

Legend hosted a “50 Years of Ohana” event at the Ronald McDonald House in Hawaii to kick off anniversary celebrations. The Hawaiian term Ohana embodies family and community support, an ethos felt by RMHC families across the globe. Alongside RMHC families, Legend participated in traditional Hawaiian activities to celebrate the global community of care RMHC has built over the past 50 years.

“On behalf of RMHC and our global system, we’re incredibly honored to partner with John Legend to celebrate the past 50 years of impact and the future of the organization,” said Katie Fitzgerald, Global President and CEO at Ronald McDonald House Charities. “RMHC has cared for families so they can care for theirs, yet the need for our programs continues to substantially increase around the world. We’re 50 years young and our work has just begun!”

Founded in 1974, RMHC programs reduce stress and financial burdens for millions of families, so they can focus on what matters most, the health of their child. Dr. Audrey Evans, a renowned pediatric oncologist and co-founder of RMHC, envisioned a place for parents to stay close to the hospital while their children were being treated, insightfully understanding “a family with a sick child is a sick family.” Today, RMHC offers more than 1,000 programs around the world that provide essential services to families when children need healthcare.

RMHC’s history in Hawaii began in 1982 when a group of concerned local citizens began work to open a Ronald McDonald House here in Hawaii. Since opening over 35 years ago, the House has provided programs and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of children in Hawaii and the Pacific region. RMHC Hawaii operates two residential facilities to assist families who have children with serious health conditions and must fly to Oahu for critical medical treatments not available where they live. Lengths of stay vary widely depending on diagnosis, but can range from several days to several months.

Want to help with our mission? Check out our “Ways to Help” section for more!