McDonald’s is the founding and forever partner of Ronald McDonald House, a title comes from decades of giving and support. Every dollar donated by customers at a McDonald’s restaurant helps Ronald McDonald House programs around the world.
Here in South Dakota, local McDonald’s owner/operators show that support every day. They sponsor events and programs, volunteer their time, donate in-kind resources, and host in-restaurant fundraisers like Round-Up.
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974 in Philadelphia, born from a simple but powerful idea: families should be able to stay close to their child during a medical crisis, no matter how far from home.
The idea came from an unlikely team: Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneering pediatric oncologist, and Fred Hill, a Philadelphia Eagles player whose young daughter was battling leukemia. Together, they turned the idea into a real House. Local McDonald’s owner/operators helped make it happen by raising funds through Shamrock Shake sales. In return, they asked only that the House carry the name of Ronald McDonald.
That moment launched a global movement. It also began a mission partnership with McDonald’s that continues today.
Ronald McDonald House is its own nonprofit. It is separate from McDonald’s Corporation, but closely connected to its people. McDonald’s did not create Ronald McDonald House as a foundation or a part of its company. Each local chapter, including Ronald McDonald House South Dakota, is its own nonprofit too. Each chapter raises its own funds to serve families in its community.
McDonald’s is our founding and forever partner. But many people and groups make our work possible. McDonald’s Corporation, franchisees, suppliers, and customers all give generously. So do individual donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community fundraisers. Together, we all help families stay close.
Our local McDonald’s owner/operators are proud supporters of the families we serve, and we are grateful for their generosity.
They show up for us in many ways. Sponsoring events and programs. Volunteering their time. Donate in-kind resources. And hosting in-restaurant fundraisers like Round-Up, where customers round up their order total to support our mission.
Their support helps our Ronald McDonald Houses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City serve families across the region.
Our mission is powered by this community. Most of our funding comes from individuals, local businesses, grants, and events right here in South Dakota.
