Two local partners want to help the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House raise $150,000 for Mary’s Pantry Endowment Fund. They’ve committed to matching every dollar that is donated up to $75,000. When you give a dollar, it becomes two. Once the goal has been met, the income generated from the endowment fund will purchase the needed food for families all year long. Donations can be made online at
www.rmhchattanooga.com.
"Every night at 6 p.m., 26 families enjoy a cooked meal prepared by volunteers.
The House also offers a “help yourself” kitchen that families are welcome to use as their own. There are food and drinks in the fridge, desserts, frozen foods, canned goods and every kitchen utensil needed," officials said.
“Mary’s Pantry at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House is the 'grocery store' for all the food functions that feed both the families residing at the Ronald McDonald House and the visitors to the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Children’s Hospital at Erlanger,” said RMHC President and CEO Jane Kaylor.
The Ronald McDonald House has to purchase essential and nutritious items to create a balanced meal like meats, milk, butter, eggs, and supplies to make frozen dinners out of leftovers. Contributions to Mary’s Pantry Endowment Fund will make these purchases possible.
"Mary’s Pantry was started in honor of a very faithful volunteer, Mary Stancil. Mary found her mission in making sure all donations were used efficiently and that nothing went to waste," officials said.
The Ronald McDonald House is teaming up with all Chattanooga area Chili’s restaurants on May 23 for a Give Back Night. A percentage of sales will be donated to the endowment fund. On May 25, the Chattanooga Lookouts will be hosting “Mary’s Pantry Night at the Ball Park.” Stay tuned, a well-known local celebrity may even get a pie in the face after the first inning.
“Bacon is known for food and money and the Ronald McDonald House is a home. That’s why we found #BringHomeTheBacon so fitting for this campaign. We’re raising funds so RMHC families can worry less about where their next meal will come from and focus more on their sick child. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?” said Communications Coordinator Victoria Tropiano.
Stay tuned for upcoming social media videos, photos, former RMHC family testimonials, and campaign contests. For more information about how you can help bring home the bacon, visit
rmhchattanooga.com or
facebook.com/rmhchattanooga and use the hashtags #BringHomeTheBacon and #Match4MarysPantry.