RMHC

It has been a busy spring for the Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts! We have new leadership, awarded many grants in the second quarter of 2009 to very deserving organizations, and selected our annual scholarship winners - check out the details below! To learn more about the local RMHC Chapter, please visit www.rmhc-ctma.org.

D. Ashburn MEET THE PRESIDENT

Dan Ashburn, a McDonald's owner/operator with 10 restaurants in Western Massachusetts, was recently elected as the new President of the Board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Dan is committed to supporting the well-being of children throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Learn more about his background, philosophies and
service here.

RMHC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts awards a total of $50,000 annually to local high school seniors through its Scholarship Program. The deadline for applications was February 15, and in May, a judging committee selected winners based on students' academic achievement, recommendation letters, personal essays and financial need.

Fourteen students representing towns from Hartford, Conn., to Chicopee, Mass., received RMHC/HACER (Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources Program) Scholarships, available for students of Hispanic descent, while eight students representing towns from Milford, Conn., to Belchertown, Mass., received RMHC Scholars Scholarships, available for any student regardless of race or ethnicity. To learn more, please visit http://www.rmhc-ctma.org/programs.


LATEST NEWS

RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts has been busy granting money throughout the region!
RMHC Board member Craig Carr (center) presents a check for $20,414 to Square One in Springfield for programs addressing early education and child care support to working families in Western Massachusetts.
West Haven McDonald's owner Joseph Rodriguez (right) presents a check for $8,000 to the West Haven Community House Association to fund after-school care for at-risk youths.
North Branford McDonald's owner Christian J. Trefz (second from right) presents a check for $11,500 to the Smith Library in Northford for furnishings in the renovated children's section.


Belchertown McDonald's owner Roger Facey (second from right) presents a scholarship check for $5,000 to a Belchertown High School student who was the top scorer for the RMHC Scholars Scholarship.


Torrington McDonald's owner Jim McGarry (right) presents a scholarship check for $5,000 to a Torrington High School student who was one of two top scorers for the RMHC/HACER Scholarship.


Local McDonald's owner Jim McGarry (right) presents a scholarship check for $5,000 to a Lewis S. Mills High School student who was one of two top scorers for the RMHC/HACER Scholarship.


RECENT GRANT RECIPIENTS

RMHC of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts is proud to support local non-profits that benefit children, and recently granted nearly $150,000 to 13 deserving organizations.

Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton - $15,525 for amplification devices for deaf students

Hospital for Special Care in New Britain - $14,166 for a pediatric unit sensory room

Bailey's Garden at Lebanon Elementary School - $10,000 challenge grant for a handicap accessible playground

SARAH, Inc./KIDSTEPS in Guilford - $25,000 for equipment to assist caregivers of children with disabilities

Camp Jonathan in Watertown - $2,000 for supplies to a camp dedicated to grieving children

The Lions Club of New Britain - $1,500 for disadvantaged children in need of eye glasses

The Arc of Greater Enfield/Camp Shriver - $5,286 for supplies to a camp dedicated to children with disabilities

Educational Resources for Children, Inc. in Enfield - $5,000 for curriculum items for children at risk

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Old Lyme - $22,113 to upgrade a family lounge at a center serving children with disabilities

Police Activity League of Waterbury, Inc. (PAL) - $6,185 for a Kid's Identification System

Soul Friends, Inc. in Wallingford - $5,500 to support animal-assisted therapeutic sessions to special needs children

My Sister's Place, Inc. in Hartford - $21,000 for a play area and furnishings at a homeless shelter

Western Massachusetts Council, Inc., BSA in Chicopee - $11,675 for Scouting opportunities for at-risk youths

Our next deadline for grant applications is September 1.


HOUSE UPDATES

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts is proud to support the local Ronald McDonald Houses in New Haven, Conn. and Springfield, Mass. through grants, quarterly donations and continuous collaboration.

The Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut promises lots of excitement and fun in the coming months! Join the fun and fundraising beginning September 14 for a golf outing at Oak Lane Country Club in Woodbridge, Conn. Following a great day of golf, participants will enjoy a fabulous dinner at Leon's Restaurant in New Haven. Then on October 13, it's your chance to meet internationally acclaimed chef Jacques Pepin at the Omni Hotel in New Haven. This fun-filled evening will feature a benefactor's cocktail party with Jacques, followed by a cooking demonstration from the chef to benefit the House. For more information, please call Nancy Shapiro at 203-777-LOVE, or visit www.rmh-ct.org.
The Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, MA will host its Ninth Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, August 3, 2009 at the Elmcrest Country Club, 105 Somersville Road, East Longmeadow. Sponsorships are available and individual teams and golfers are always welcome! The cost for an individual golfer is $140.00 and includes: Registration at 11:00 a.m. (driving range and putting green are open); all-you-can-eat lunch at 11:30 a.m. shotgun start - scramble at 12:30 p.m. (golf cart provided); prime rib dinner, raffles, silent auction and awards at 6:00 p.m. Sponsorship levels vary, so please call (413) 794-5683 for more information and a sponsorship packet. To learn more, visit www.ronmcdhouse.com.