Fayetteville, Ark (Dec. 15, 2016)– The playroom is filled with toys, the Tempur-Pedic beds are all made up in the six bedroom suites, and the pantry is stocked. Construction on Northwest Arkansas’ first Ronald McDonald House® is complete! The Grand Opening Celebration was held Thursday, December 15th at 10:30 am in Washington Regional’s Women and Infants Center courtyard. The New School Choir provided entertainment, and Razorback Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jimmy Dykes spoke on what this program means to our community. City of Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan made a proclamation, and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Diplomats held the ribbon cutting ceremony. Finally, the public was ushered upstairs for tours of the new space.
Located on the top floor of Washington Regional Medical Center’s new Women and Infants Center tower, this program will be one of four in the area operated by RMHC® of Arkoma. The House is staffed 24 hours, and will be available day and night, 365 days a year, at no cost to those who receive its’ services.
There are six bedroom suites available for families, complete with private baths and locking family storage closets. The full kitchen, fully stocked pantry, and dining room that seats up to 40 will ensure overnight and daytime guests are well fed. There’s a coffee bar to help keep exhausted parents alert, and a spacious living room for when they need to relax. The playroom, visible from the living area through a glass wall, provides a space for patients and siblings to escape the stress that hospitals can often bring.
The House has received overwhelming support from the community, being awarded grants, individual gifts, and in-kind donations totaling close to $1,030,000. There are several naming opportunities remaining for interested donors, including multiple bedrooms and the playroom.
Thanks to your support of programs like these, families of seriously ill children will be able to be present and involved in their child’s hospitalization and treatment while helping them in the healing process. For more information about the House, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit rmhcofarkoma.org/ronaldmcdonaldhouse.
