Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii recently launched its Hospitality Cart Program at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, the organization announced June 13.

Ed Nishioka, president, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii, right, pictured with Gidget Ruscetta, COO of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, at the Hospitality Cart Program blessing ceremony held on June 13, 2024

The cart, outfitted with snacks, refreshments and activities was created to provide “comfort and support to families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” the announcement noted.

According to emailed responses from RMHC Hawaii President Ed Nishioka, “The Hospitality Cart Program perfectly aligns with RMHC’s mission to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.”

“The cart offers a much-needed respite for families during what can be a very stressful and challenging time. It brings moments of joy and relief, allowing families to focus on their child’s recovery with a bit more comfort and support,” he continued.

The program “is made possible through a long-standing partnership with the Kapiolani Medical Center,” at no cost to the NICU families, according to the announcement. Nishioka told PBN, “In total, the initial investment was approximately $15,000.” The program’s startup costs included the construction of the cart itself and stocking its shelves, as well as time for training volunteers.

“The program is primarily funded by generous donations from local businesses, individual donors, community grants and through our general fundraising efforts,” he added. “We are grateful for the support of our partners who believe in our mission and the positive impact of the Hospitality Cart Program. Staffing the carts will be handled by a dedicated team of volunteers from RMHC Hawaii, along with our staff members. These volunteers are specially trained to provide compassionate support to families and ensure the cart is a source of comfort and joy.”

PBN asked Nishioka more about bringing this cart concept to life and plans for expansion.

What did it take to bring this idea to life?

Bringing the Hospitality Cart Program to life required a collaborative effort from the RMHC Hawaii team, Kapiolani Medical Center and various community partners. We conducted extensive planning and coordination to ensure the cart would meet the needs of families on the intensive care floor and also that our design would blend in and enhance the area where it is located. This involved the overall designing of the cart, designing the artwork, engineering the functionality, sourcing activities, treats and refreshments, and developing a schedule that would allow us to regularly serve families. Our team also engaged with medical staff to ensure the program aligns with the hospital’s protocols and enhances the patient and family experience. This initiative builds on the success of our first Hospitality Cart Program, which launched last year at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua.

How does this initiative grow RMHC’s mission?

What does this mean for those you serve? For the families we serve, this program means knowing that there is a caring community ready to support them and brighten their day, even in the hospital environment. … The Hospitality Cart Program is especially important because it allows us to serve Oahu families. The majority of the families who stay at our RMCH Hawaii homes are from Neighbor Islands and beyond, so this program helps us extend our reach and support more local families during their time of need.

How can local businesses help?

Local businesses can support the Hospitality Cart Program in several ways. They can provide financial donations to help sustain the program and ensure we can continue offering these services free of charge to families. Businesses can also contribute by donating items such as snacks, beverages, toys and activity supplies. Additionally, they can encourage their employees to volunteer with RMHC Hawaii, providing hands-on support for the cart program. We welcome any partnership opportunities that align with our mission and enhance the program’s offerings. We have some great partners like Diamond Bakery [Hawaii, which] provided us with beloved local snacks to have on the cart. For anyone interested in partnering, please contact our Director of Operations Kanoe Paauhau at .

Do you plan to expand this program elsewhere?

Yes, we do plan to look into expanding our Hospitality Cart Program to other hospitals and medical facilities on Oahu. Our goal is to reach as many families as possible, providing the same level of care and support that we are introducing at Kapiolani Medical Center. We are currently evaluating potential partner sites and seeking additional funding to make this expansion possible. Our vision is to have hospitality carts in multiple locations, extending the reach of our mission and making a positive impact on more families throughout the state.

In addition to expanding to new locations, we are also looking at enhancing our offerings and extending our hours of operation at our existing locations. This includes introducing more diverse activities, increased snack options and additional resources that families might need. By increasing the availability and variety of what our Hospitality Carts provide, we aim to further ease the burden on families during their hospital stays. The program’s expansion builds on the foundation we established with our first cart at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua, where we have already seen significant positive impacts on the families we serve. Through these enhancements and expansions, RMHC Hawaii remains committed to our mission of supporting families and improving their well-being during challenging times.

— Pacific Business News

RMCH-HI Hospitality Cart at Kapiolani Medical Center

Honolulu, HI – Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii (RMHC Hawaii) is excited to announce the launch of the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart program at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, aimed at providing comfort and support to families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Starting today, Thursday, June 13, the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart will be available to NICU families, offering a variety of activities and refreshments to help pass the time and provide a sense of normalcy during their stay at the hospital. The cart will include activities for adults such as adult coloring books, cards, crossword puzzles, and journals. For children, there will be age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained and engaged.

In addition to activities, the cart will also offer a selection of beverages including coffee, tea, hot cocoa, bottled water, and assorted snacks – all free of charge for the families to enjoy.

“We understand that having an infant in the NICU can be a stressful and emotional experience for families,” said Ed Nishioka, President and Executive Director at RMHC Hawaii. “Our Hospitality Cart is an extension of our mission to provide a small sense of comfort and support for families with children in the hospital. Regardless if they are staying in one of our homes or not, this is our way to help ease some of their burdens when they are visiting their child.”

“As our NICU team cares for these precious little babies, we’re so thankful that their families will feel more at home through the services of the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart,” said Gidget Ruscetta, chief operating officer of Kapi‘olani Medical Center. “Kapi‘olani’s NICU is a vital resource for so many babies who need highly specialized care from all across our state and the Pacific region. This act of generosity by the Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii is a way of letting these families know that they have a whole community supporting them in their journey.”

The launch of the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart program is made possible through a long-standing partnership with the Kapiʻolani Medical Center. For more information about the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart program at Kapiʻolani Medical Center, please contact Kanoe Paauhau, Director of Operations of RMHC Hawaii, at or call 808-973-5683 ext. 225.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non–profit organization providing a home–away–from–home for seriously ill children and their families. RMHC Hawaii has been providing programs and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of children in Hawaii and the Pacific region for 37 years. RMHC Hawaii operates two residential facilities to assist families that 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. Nearly 15,000 families have spent nearly 140,000 nights at Ronald McDonald Houses in Hawaii, receiving assistance from RMHC family programs and services. The House strives to foster emotional, spiritual, and compassionate support to all who live within—keeping families close to the medical care they need and to each other.

HONOLULU, February 23, 2024 — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii welcomes its new president, Ed Nishioka.

Nishioka is taking over for Jerri Chong who retired after 23 years of leading the organization. He previously served as Director of Development for the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council and managed Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation for eight years.

The RMHC Board of Directors firmly believes that Nishioka’s vision and guidance will build on its successful mission and elevate the organization to the next level. “We are very excited to have Ed as our new president,” said RMHC Board Chair Dr. Lois Chiu. “He brings a wealth of non–profit experience with a strong history of raising funding for various charitable causes in Hawaii. Ed’s leadership and business acumen will help lead RMHC into a promising new era.”

As President, he will establish RMHC’s strategic vision and organizational culture by collaborating with the board of directors, senior leadership team and stakeholders. Additionally, Nishioka will oversee all aspects of RMHC Hawaii, which includes increasing its fundraising, internal and external team building, finance, communications, marketing and development of programs and managing a staff of more than 20 members. He will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to spearhead key fundraising efforts such as the annual gala dinner, Hawaii Golf Classic, the 5k Red Shoe event and McFun–Raising booklets.

Nishioka currently serves on several Board of Directors, including Straub Medical Center, Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, American Fundraising Professionals Aloha Chapter, Southern Oregon University, and Kidz for a Cause. “This opportunity truly feels like a dream come true. I am passionate about RMHC’s incredible mission of providing a loving home–away–from–home for keiki with serious illnesses,” said Nishioka. “I am grateful for everyone’s support and excited to work towards making a positive impact in the lives of families.”

With more than a decade of experience in senior management positions, Nishioka has dedicated himself to serving the community through various organizations, including Hawaii Pacific Health, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii. As the Director of Development at the Boys Scouts of America, he led initiatives in new business development, fundraising, events, partnerships, and marketing. Previously, he served as Mayor Frank Fasi’s press secretary and as Deputy Director under Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Nishioka has been recognized by the Hawaii Jaycees as Young Person of the Year, Pacific Business News’ 40–under–40 and Pacific Century Fellows. He holds a master’s degree from California State University at Chico and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Oregon University.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii: Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non–profit organization providing a home–away–from–home for seriously ill children and their families. RMHC Hawaii has been providing programs and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of children in Hawaii and the Pacific region for 37 years. RMHC Hawaii operates two residential facilities to assist families that 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. Nearly 15,000 families have spent nearly 140,000 nights at Ronald McDonald Houses in Hawaii, receiving assistance from RMHC family programs and services. The House strives to foster emotional, spiritual, and compassionate support to all who live within—keeping families close to the medical care they need and to each other. Visit www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org. Visit www.RonaldHouseHawaii.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii’s President Jerri Chong will be retiring after 23 years at the helm of the nonprofit, the organization recently announced. Her last day in the role will be Dec. 31. Chong has joined the Executive Search Committee and will work closely with the RMHC Hawaii Board of Directors to find a successor for the organization.

Jerri Chong photo by Eugene Tanner, PBN

“The past two decades at RMHC have been an incredible journey for me and a cherished part of my life. But this is an opportunity to make time with family and friends my main priority,” she told Pacific Business News in an email. “Being at the Ronald McDonald House has taught me that time is very precious, and Covid and the devastating Lahaina fires made me understand that tomorrow is so much sooner than we all think. It’s time — the right time — to move on to my next chapter.”

Chong added, “The organization is poised for continued growth and success, with robust outreach and family support programs, loyal donors and community partners, and an experienced and engaged board of directors and staff, all with an unshakeable focus on mission delivery.”

Under her leadership, Chong has spearheaded the organization’s growth, increasing donor funding and community partnerships, opening a second house on Oahu in 2006, and overseeing a major renovation through the Covid–19 pandemic of the family recreation center at Judd Hillside.

Most recently, RMHC Hawaii launched its first mobile Hospitality Cart for keiki and families at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center. A second cart will service Kapiolani Hospital come October.

According to the announcement, nearly 15,000 families have spent 140,000 nights at RMHC Hawaii, and more than 150,000 people have been helped by its family programs and services. The organization has not denied any family a stay to date.

“I’ve spent 23 wonderful years at the Ronald McDonald House, taking care of other people’s families during their greatest time of need. I was honored to be able to do that,” Chong told PBN. “Now, it’s time to take care of my own family — my mom in her golden years, and a brand–new grandbaby during his first, most formative year. It’s a precious gift I can’t believe I’m being given.”

Chong reflected on what she has learned as a leader in this role, what legacy she hopes to leave behind and more.

What prompted this decision for you?

Retirement has always been a moving target for me. I’ve always been excited about new challenges and opportunities — and there have been many — at RMHC. I’ve never been regretful about my choices, and never wavered in my belief that I’m in the right place, at the right time, doing exactly what I was meant to do. Then earlier this year, my family went through a lot of health changes, and I knew it was time to step back and reassess where I am right now.

What have you learned as a leader over the years?

My first boss, at my first job right out of college, told me: “Success is not defined by how people feel about you or the great things you’ve done. It’s measured by how you make others feel about themselves and the great things they’re capable of doing.” This was true 40 years ago and remains the hallmark of my leadership experience today. I’ve also learned that you can’t change anyone to be a better employee or better person. You can only inspire people to choose to change on their own. Because leadership is not about you. It’s about those you lead. It’s about bringing out the best in others.

What is your most treasured memory from your time with RMHC Hawaii? What are you going to miss the most?

It’s never been about the big events or benchmark celebrations — not even opening a new house or launching a new program. It’s the small, precious moments that just break me or send me soaring every time. Like Ikaika, a 15–year–old teen from Maui, undergoing treatment for late–stage cancer but so excited about the possibility of going to prom. And his greatest, biggest wish was just to have his hair and eyebrows grow back in time. I would have given an arm for him to have his wish.

I’m going to miss the experience and joy of just being at the Ronald McDonald House. The families, the children, the people and atmosphere move and inspire me every day. Seeing the families at the House just being at their very best, while going through their very worst. That kind of strength and resiliency, the power of the human spirit, leaves me humbled and in awe. I go home every night feeling blessed and grateful for all of life’s gifts.

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?

I hope the legacy I leave behind is a footprint, a clean and clear impression that others can step into, reshape and mold into what fits them best, then continue moving forward, leaving new imprints and impressions. Change is good. Growth is good. The goal is to always strive to do better, be better, bring about positive change. It’s a legacy that can take on new life with each succeeding generation.

— Pacific Business News

Twenty-three years ago, when Jerri Chong took over as president of nonprofit Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii, Inc., the board wanted to see growth that would take the organization to the next level. Since her appointment, she has increased donor funding and community partnerships, built capacity and has not denied any family a stay to date. More recently, she led a major renovation through the Covid-19 pandemic of the family recreation center and opened a second house on Oahu in 2006.

The Judd Hillside house was established in 1987 to provide lodging, transportation, food, and laundry services free-of-charge to families residing outside of Oahu with sick babies and children receiving care from the nearby hospitals. At the time, Chong was working for public relations firm Communications Pacific and managing the RMHC pro-bono account. It was her first exposure to the organization’s history, mission and impact. She said if she would have known about it then, her family would have been eligible to stay in the Ronald McDonald House during her pregnancy that required extra medical care on Oahu.

“Families should only have to worry about their child. We provide services and are careful about taking care of the whole family, not to mention covering costs to reduce barriers from medical bills that can be tens-to-thousands of dollars,” said Chong, who was born and raised in Hilo.

According to Pacific Business News’ 2022 Nonprofit Service Providers List, RMHC has 19 employees, and its 2020 revenue was $2.11 million, most of which is donation based.

In 2019, the organization served 769 people over 4,394 room nights, which cost $150 per day, according to its yearly impact report. The website notes that nearly 13,000 families have spent more than 130,000 room nights at Ronald McDonald Houses in Hawaii. While there is no fee to stay at the house, individuals, businesses, foundations and community organizations help pay for accommodations and services.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is a global organization that was founded in 1973 in Pennsylvania by Fred Hill of the Philadelphia Eagles football team, whose daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. By working with local McDonald’s restaurants, his family raised funds to open the first house in Philadelphia. Chong said the McDonald’s Corp. continues to be a major supporting sponsor to new and existing houses and their expenses.

What did you learn navigating the Covid-19 pandemic?

So much of the senior leadership throughout the business community, both for-profit and nonprofit community, we’re aging! Transition to the next group of tomorrow’s leaders, it’s natural. I think we all need to be very open, accepting and willing to embrace change and willing to accept, learn and understand and get comfortable with digital media – a different kind of workplace – which we saw happen very, very suddenly with the pandemic.

It is critical for people to acknowledge and work with it to move forward.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The Ronald McDonald House is not a sad place, even though a lot of people think that. When the kids come back here, there’s a lot of laughing and playing. It is family-life, so it is not sad, quite the opposite. When there are things to celebrate, like good test results, parents and families celebrate together and there’s a great camaraderie – they share each other’s joy and tough times.

Moments such as holding a toddler’s hands as they take their very first step in our living room or seeing their face when tasting ice cream for the first time, come to mind. We are very lucky we get to experience that first-hand and that the family shares that with us.

What role does your board play in growing the organization?

We are not a huge organization, so we consider our 14-member board to be our volunteers. They represent various sectors across the local business community. They are an excellent, hands-on board, advocates in the community and passionate about the work they do, which is so important for the success of an organization.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

Forty years ago, the late Bobbye Hughes McDermott, founder of PR firm Communications Pacific, took me under her wing and trained me. She told me, “Being successful is not defined by all the good things you’ve done. Being successful is measured by how you make others feel about themselves and all the great things they’re capable of. It’s not about you, it’s about them!” She was basing her success on how she was helping me at the time.

Do you have a succession plan in place?

We work on this with our board … so the plan is constantly being updated. Retiring is like a moving target for me. I believe I’m in the right place at the right time at the right period of life – it has never wavered, so I will know when it’s time. … The best is yet to come!

— Pacific Business News