[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5865-5866]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF RONALD McDONALD HOUSE OF LONG BRANCH & NEW 
                      BRUNSWICK'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Ronald 
McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick's 25th Anniversary. The 
Ronald McDonald House organization and its charities have provided warm 
and hospitable living environments and support to families whose 
children are being treated at area hospitals at little or no cost. 
Their outpouring of support and charitable efforts to serve the members 
of their community is worthy of this body's recognition.
  The Ronald McDonald House was established in 1974 through a 
collaborative effort by Philadelphia Eagles football player, Fred Hill 
and Dr. Audrey Evans at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Mr. Hill's 
three-year-old daughter Kim Hill and her childhood battle with leukemia 
inspired the model for the first Ronald McDonald House. Facing the 
rigors of multiple hospital visits, the Hill family sought to find a 
comfortable and supportive place of refuge for other parents facing 
similar situations. Through the support of Eagles owners, managers, 
teammates and various fundraising endeavors, the first Ronald McDonald 
House was opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Ronald McDonald 
House provided the amenities of home while offering families a 
comfortable and supportive environment with easy access to area 
hospitals. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House would later act as 
the model for what would become an international network of temporary 
housing for families of ill children. By 1985, more than 88 Ronald 
McDonald Houses were established

[[Page 5866]]

worldwide. The popular and unique fundraising strategies, including the 
``Pop Tab Collection Recycling Program'', raised millions for 
participating Houses and furthered the success of the organization. In 
1984, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) was established in memory 
of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. Since its inception, RMHC and its 
network of Chapters have awarded more than $16 million in grants to 
more than 1,300 U.S. Children's organizations.
  As a result of their commendable efforts, for two consecutive years, 
Worth magazine named RMHC one of ``America's 100 Best charities of 
2002''.
  The Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick, New 
Jersey was established in 1987 and services community members 
throughout the State. Through the support of area businesses, 
organizations, civic groups, schools and individuals, as well as 
various fundraising and special events, the two Houses have served more 
than 4,000 families.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking the Ronald 
McDonald House of Long Branch and New Brunswick for their 25 years of 
service. The Ronald McDonald House continues to provide outstanding 
services to the Middlesex, Monmouth and NJ community.

                          ____________________