Ronald McDonald House and McDonald’s: Founding and Forever Mission Partners
How Did Ronald McDonald House Get Started?
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 vision 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. Local McDonald's owner/operators helped make it a reality, raising funds through Shamrock Shake sales. In return, they asked only that the House bear the name of their beloved mascot — Ronald McDonald.
That moment launched a global movement and a mission partnership that continues to this day.
Is Ronald McDonald House Part of McDonald's Corporation?
Ronald McDonald House is a separately incorporated nonprofit organization, distinct from McDonald's Corporation but deeply connected to its people. McDonald's did not create Ronald McDonald House as a foundation or subsidiary. Each local chapter, including Ronald McDonald House South Dakota, is separately incorporated and responsible for building its own community funding.
McDonald's Corporation, its franchisees, and customers donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities globally, helping millions of families worldwide stay close to their child's care each year. That generosity is meaningful and significant. And it works alongside the support of donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community fundraisers that make each local chapter possible.
Does McDonald's Support Ronald McDonald House South Dakota?
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 by sponsoring events and programs, volunteering their time, donating in-kind resources, and hosting in-restaurant fundraisers like Round-Up, where customers simply round up their order total to the nearest dollar to make a difference.
Their support is one of many reasons our Ronald McDonald Houses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are able to serve families across the region.