RMHH eNewsletter - 11/2/2020

Around The House
BOO…..It is Halloween time at RMH Houston! Decorating pumpkins is always a great activity for the children and parents alike. Other activities included a few super heroes, fairies, a kitty cat or two. Everyone was really into the Halloween spirit – no tricks, but always a lot of treats for our special guests!

Even during social activities when kids and their parents interact with staff and other families in community spaces inside of the House, health and safety is extremely important. For this Halloween project, each family had their own new set of crafts and they were assigned to their own table, spaced at least 6 feet from other tables. As always masks are required on all adults and children older than three.

Projects like these are part of our Family-Centered Care program. It is important for a pediatric patient and their family to experience happy times with each other. This supports the developmental and emotional needs of the family unit. Laughing together, being together, and crafting together is great medicine for healing.
Mission Moment
Donor Spotlight: Friendswood Development
Friendswood Development Company has faithfully supported RMH Houston since 2008. They exemplify the RMH Houston mission to offer a home away from home providing care, compassion and hope to families with seriously ill children being treated in Texas Medical Center member institutions, as demonstrated by their loyal commitment to our families.

When given the opportunity to get involved with RMH Houston, it was an easy choice for Friendswood, considering one of their colleagues used the house as a child. Being able to personally connect with families and children, see them smile and brighten their day inspires these loyal and dedicated volunteers.

Even during the pandemic, Friendswood Development's support has continued. Last week, the team stopped by with a huge surprise, a $30,000 contribution.The Friendswood team also has a long volunteer history in supporting RMH Houston – from hosting meals, craft activities, mini carnivals, and even hot chocolate bars. Once it is safe for our families to welcome volunteer groups back to the House, the Friendswood team will surely be ready to go.

Here’s How You Can Help
Did you know? You can support RMH Houston through your regular shopping!  We have partnerships set up with these two retailers where a portion of the proceeds from your purchase comes directly back to RMH Houston.   
 
Kroger Community Rewards Program: 
To set this up on your reward card, follow these instructions:  

1.      Visit http://www.kroger.com and log into your existing account or create a new one.
2.      Once logged into your Kroger account, click on My Account in the drop down menu under your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.   
3.      Click on Community Rewards in the menu on the left side of the screen.   
4.      Search for RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE HOUSTON either by name or WJ042 and then click Enroll.
Amazon Smile: 
To set this up on your account, follow these instructions: 

1.      Go to https://smile.amazon.com/  
2.      Under the search bar at the top of the homepage, click on the drop-down menu to support an organization. (Or access through My Account) 
3.      Choose “Ronald McDonald House of Houston Inc” 

Run for the House and Run for a Reason
The 11th Annual Trafigura Run for the House has gone virtual! While we are disappointed we won’t be able to run together in person on Saturday, Dec. 5th, we’re excited we can all run together in spirit to raise money and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Houston! Be sure to take a photo of yourself before, during, or after your run to share on social media. Tag us at @RMHHouston and use the hashtag #TrafiguraRunForTheHouse and #RMHH. We can’t wait to see you Run from Your House FOR The House!

Challenge Runs
Can you go the distance for RMHH? Register to run a half marathon (13.1 miles), full marathon (26.2 miles), or ultra-marathon (100 miles) for Ronald McDonald House Houston! Easily track your miles and times in the IYR Virtual App. Challenge Runs can be completed anytime from December 4-December 31. Run your race in one day, one week, or over the month.

CHEVRON HOUSTON MARATHON,
RUN FOR A REASON

This year the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon will be virtual. Train in December in the Trafigura Run for the House, then run an official marathon or half marathon. Sign up to participate—then, sign up to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Houston. It’s a win-win-win! 

To register for the event: Click Here

To setup a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Houston Click Here