Tennessee: The Volunteer State
We are known as the Volunteer State and earlier this year we were all challenged as we worked hard to help our neighbors during the devastating flood. This well-deserved reputation is historical in nature and takes on numerous meanings when you think of Tennessee's volunteerism. This reputation is evident here in Middle Tennessee as we are blessed with an abundance of goodwill from individuals and organizations alike that contribute their time and resources throughout the year.
Season of Giving
This time of year, as we pause to give thanks during Thanksgiving, celebrate the gift of life during Christmas, and reflect on memories of 2010 and the possibilities of the upcoming year, we naturally think of others and their needs and what we can do to help during the Season of Giving. Our community's volunteer organizations work to fill the food banks, gather clothing for the needy, promote coat drives, and collect care packages for our men and women that volunteer there lives in the protection of all of us back home in the United States.
Each year, I am proud to feature one of these worthy charitable organizations during the Season of Giving. This year, I wish to introduce you to and feature the Ronald McDonald House of Nashville.
I became familiar with this organization via my friend and fellow REALTOR®, Marty Quimby of Prodential Woodmont Realty. Marty has volunteered her time for over 14 years to the Ronald McDonald House of Nashville.
*While working in a hospital I was saddened seeing so many people having to sleep on lobby couches and use public restrooms. When the Ronald McDonald House opened in Nashville, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Having the stress of a sick child is hard enough, but to be separated from your home and family makes it so much worse. The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe, comfortable place for these families and the staff here is incredible. I have been a volunteer for the last 14 years and am blessed to be part of such a wonderful endeavor." Marty Quimby
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
OF NASHVILLE
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are the heart of the programs run by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Volunteers help make the House and Family Room a comfortable and supportive place for families. Caring and cheerful volunteers are often the first voice heard on the telephone and the first smiling face seen at the door. Whether by planning and coordinating an evening family activity, supplying and cooking a meal for the families, or committing to volunteer on a shift each week/month, our volunteers make our House and Family Room more like a home.
ABOUT THE HOUSE There’s no place like home!
Families are stronger when they are together, and their presence helps a sick child heal faster and cope better. While we cannot make medicine taste better or take away painful treatments, we can help lessen the burden and ensure families have the stability and resources to get and keep their child healthy and happy.
The Nashville Ronald McDonald House opened as a 16 bedroom House in 1991 and almost immediately faced 100% occupancy every night of the year. A successful capital campaign allowed us to open an expansion in 1999 which provided an additional 16 bedrooms for families. Our current 32 bedroom House continues to operate at 100% occupancy every night of the year with a waiting list of 4-6 families each night.
Our House is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and is supported by seven full time staff and 200 active volunteers. Our House is a home, providing hot meals, laundry facilities and a place to rest. It has all the benefits of a house, including a playroom, teen game room, a library, two kitchens and a large dining room. The House provides an environment of emotional support from staff members, volunteers and other families who are going through similar circumstances.
In 2009, the average length of stay in our House was 21 nights, with children primarily being treated for cancer, premature birth and associated complications, heart treatment, organ transplants, trauma, surgery and other critical illnesses.
Although we ask families to pay $15 per night to stay in our House, we do not turn families away if they are unable to pay. In 2009 more than 73% of the 517 families who stayed with us could not afford to pay, but the generous support of our donors and volunteers allowed us to provide them a home away from home.
FAMILY ROOM In February 2004, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville officially opened Nashville’s first Ronald McDonald Family Room at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. This room is an extension of the House where families and friends of seriously ill children can enjoy a quiet respite from corridors and waiting rooms, whether or not they’re staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
The Family Room includes a comfortable seating area, a kitchen stocked with snacks, a children’s play area, a half bath and the support of caring staff and volunteers. The Family Room has served over 3,600 families since its opening and averages 2,500 visitors per month.
LEARN MORE Please visit the Ronald McDonald House of Nashville website to learn more about their community involvement and how you can volunteer or make a donation to this worthy organization.
Prudential Woodmont Realty: 5107 Maryland Way, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
