“We are honored and extremely grateful to be one of this year's children's charities recipients from Southwest Airlines,” RMHC Hawaii President, Jerri Chong, said. “We serve more than 350 families a year and this tremendous gift will be utilized for the families who stay at our house. As our services evolve to provide comfort and care for the whole family during a child's medical crisis, so does the need to create an environment which supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of guest families.”

Southwest Airlines' donation will support the expansion and renovation of the children's indoor and outdoor play areas and create a family&ndadsh;centered recreation room at the Judd Hillside Ronald McDonald House.

The new additions will include a teen activity center, library and computer niche as well as a family gathering spot, all aimed at providing much needed normalcy and compassionate care for families during their greatest time of need.

“Since 1985, the LUV Classic has donated more than $17 million to children's charities and $14 million to local Ronald McDonald Houses around the country,” Southwest Airlines President, Tom Nealon, said. “We are delighted to support the RMHC House in Hawaii, and appreciate being welcomed into the family. It's an important part of Southwest Airlines' tradition of giving back to the communities where our customers and employees live and work.”

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® Hawaii Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Hawaii, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization providing a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children and their families. For 31 years, the house has provided programs and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of children in Hawaii and the Pacific region. RMHC–HI 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. The House strives to foster emotional, spiritual, and compassionate support to all who live within. It keeps families close when they need it the most.