What are the mission and programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico?

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides programs and services that enhance the health and well-being of children, youth and family in New Mexico.

• Established in 1982, The Ronald McDonald House in Albuquerque provides a home-away-from-home for families of ill or injured children receiving treatment at local hospitals.

• Since 1997 RMHC has participated in a national scholarship program, awarding $25,000 each year in scholarships.

• Since 1997 RMHC has managed an outreach grant program that awards money to agencies that support children’s issues.

Who does RMHC serve?
Over 800 families are served each year representing approximately 5,700 room-nights of lodging. More than 80 percent of all families served are of low to moderate income. Approximately 7 percent come from out of state with the remainder from throughout the state of New Mexico.

Nearly 50% of the families served have premature babies. Other treatments children receive include chemotherapy, radiation, kidney transplants, orthopedic surgery, or other very specialized care. Care of these children often requires many days, weeks, or even months of treatment. During these extended periods, many children can be treated as out-patients and live at the House with their families during all or portions of their treatment regimen.

Who runs the Charities?
A 25-member volunteer Board of Directors governs Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. The Board is responsible for policy making, governance, financial oversight, and fund raising for House programs and activities. The Board hires the Executive Director who recruits and manages the four full-time staff members at the House. Additionally, there are more than 150 volunteers who team with the Board and staff to facilitate special events and the stays of families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at the Hospital.

How is Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico funded?
Ronald McDonald House Charities receives approximately 15 percent of its operating budget from the local McDonald's owner/operators. Another thirteen percent comes from the nominal $15 nightly fee charged to those families who can afford it. The remaining funds needed to operate the House come from the generous support of individuals, foundations, and businesses through local fund-raising activities.

Funds for the RMHC/HACER Scholarships and Outreach Grant program are raised through fundraising activities sponsored by the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of New Mexico and from a matching grants program available through McDonald’s Global Charity. Donor contributions to Ronald McDonald House are not used for these allocations unless specifically designated by the donor.