History of Ronald McDonald House in South Dakota
More than 40 Years of Impact
Since opening our doors in 1983, Ronald McDonald House South Dakota has grown from a simple idea into a powerful, community-supported mission. Starting with one House in Sioux Falls, we’ve expanded to serve thousands of families across South Dakota and beyond.
Here are some key milestones that highlight our growth, made possible by the compassion and generosity of people who believe families stay stronger together.
October 15, 1974
First Ronald McDonald House Opens in Philadelphia, PA
Check presentation October 15, 1974. (L-R) Dr. Audrey Evans, Broadcaster Tom Brookshire (behind), Restaurant Visionary Ray Kroc (behind), Dr. Milton "Mickey" Donaldson (holding check), Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo (behind), Philadelphia Eagles Owner Leonard Tose, Eagles Linebacker Bill Bergey (behind), and Eagles Wide Receiver Harold Carmichael
When Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill's daughter Kim is diagnosed with leukemia, the team rallies behind pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, who had long envisioned a place where families could stay close while their children received medical care. With support from Eagles General Manager Jimmy Murray, that vision becomes reality and the first Ronald McDonald House is established.
1981
Junior Service League Sparks Local Vision
Seven years after the first House opens in Pennsylvania, the Junior Service League of Sioux Falls sees the need for a Ronald McDonald House in our community and adopts the concept as a service project, laying the groundwork for what’s to come.
June 1983
Local Organization Established to Support the House
The Junior League of Sioux Falls forms Welcome House, Inc. to operate and support the future Ronald McDonald House.
December 15, 1983
First Sioux Falls Ronald McDonald House Opens
First Ronald McDonald House in South Dakota located at 2001 South Norton Avenue
On December 15, 1983, the Sioux Falls House becomes the 55th Ronald McDonald House to open worldwide. Located at 2001 South Norton Avenue, the House features 9 bedrooms. Shelley Nelson Hanisch serves as the organization's first Executive Director.
June 16, 1984
Grand Opening Celebration Heats Things Up
Due to South Dakota’s winter weather, the Ronald McDonald House holds its official Grand Opening in June 1984. The celebration features live music, balloons, sweet treats, and tours of the House, welcoming the community inside for the first time.
Mid-2000s
Outgrowing the Norton Avenue House
In the mid-2000's, the Board of Directors determined that the constant at-capacity and long wait list at the House meant it needed to grow. The decision was made to build 2 new Ronald McDonald Houses, one near Sanford Children's Hospital, one near Avera McKennan Hospital.
September 1, 2004
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Launches in South Dakota
Original Ronald McDonald Care Mobile on the road serving communities statewide.
In partnership with Delta Dental of South Dakota, the SD Department of Health, and our local McDonald's owner/operators, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile launches — a mobile dental clinic bringing free oral health care and education directly to underserved children across the state.
The Mobile Program has transitioned all operations to Delta Dental of South Dakota with two vehicles serving more than 3,000 children across the state each year.
July 24, 2008
Ronald McDonald House Near Avera Opens
Ronald McDonald House near Avera McKennan Hospital
The new Ronald McDonald House at 808 East 24th Street near Avera McKennan Hospital opens. The 8 guest rooms double the capacity of Ronald McDonald House South Dakota to serve families.
January 13, 2010
Ronald McDonald House Near Sanford Opens
Ronald McDonald House near Sanford Children's Hospital
The new Ronald McDonald House with capacity for 18 guest families opens at 825 South Lake Avenue, near Sanford Children's Hospital.
Fall 2014
Additional Guest Rooms Added
In Fall of 2014, the Board of Directors votes to build out 3 additional guest bedrooms in the lower level of the Lake Avenue House near Sanford.
December 15, 2023
Celebrating 40 Years of Helping Families Stay
Ready for 40th Anniversary Red Gala in Sioux Falls
Ronald McDonald House South Dakota commemorates its milestone 40th anniversary with a Red Gala, an evening celebrating four decades of serving families in need.
October 2024
Approved to Build a new Ronald McDonald House in Rapid City
Our chapter begins the process of building the first Ronald McDonald House in Western South Dakota, with the new location near Monument Health scheduled for opening in 2026.
Spring 2025
Garden and Kitchen Reno Revitalize Lake Avenue House
Northwestern Mutual Serenity Garden at Lake Avenue Ronald McDonald House in Sioux Falls
Creating the Northwestern Mutual Serenity Garden gives families a dedicated outdoor respite area. Designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, the garden provides fresh ingredients for family meals while offering a space to rest and recharge.
Interior View of Lake Avenue Kitchen After 2025 Renovation
The Lake Avenue House kitchen undergoes a full renovation after more than 14 years of continuous use, updating appliances and meal prep areas to better serve families and volunteer cooks.
July 30, 2025
Announcement of A House in the Hills Rapid City Location
Architect rendering of the Rapid City Ronald McDonald House in the Hills
In partnership with Monument Health, construction of a 12-bedroom Ronald McDonald House at 3140 Elm Avenue in Rapid City will expand access to services for more than 600 families each year.
Video History of Ronald McDonald House South Dakota
The Beginnings of Ronald McDonald House
It all began in Philadelphia in 1974 when Kim Hill, the daughter of Philadelphia Eagles football player Fred Hill, was being treated for leukemia. Hill approached his teammates to join in an effort to fight this horrendous disease. After months of fundraising, a new oncology wing was built for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Drs. Audrey Evans and Milton "Mickey" Donaldson observed that parents spent weeks camped out on hospital chairs and ate from hospital vending machines as their children were being treated. Plus, many families traveled great distances and were facing financial difficulty as a result of their child’s illness and could not afford to stay at a hotel. And so the dream to provide housing near the hospital began.
With the help of Don Tuckerman from the local McDonald’s advertising agency, a promotion for the St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake (now called the Shamrock Shake) was created, with the funds devoted to purchasing an old house near the hospital. McDonald’s had one request – that the house is named after their favorite clown, Ronald McDonald.
At last, on October 15, 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House was officially opened.
