Restaurants Donate Meal to House Once Per Month
On the second Monday of every month, Blue Heron Brew Pub donates and delivers a meal to Ronald McDonald House as part of the House’s “Home for Dinner” program. Ronald McDonald House typically serves 15-20 family members daily, depending on occupancy. A resource offering free lodging to families with sick children, Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield helps families remain close during hospital stays.
“When children and families travel long distances to access top medical care, 
accommodations for families can be expensive or not readily available,” said Iilee Pederson, Executive Director. “Ronald McDonald House helps families stay close to their ill or injured children, increasing the families’ ability to spend more time with their child, to interact with their clinical care team, and to participate in critical medical care decisions.”
Through Ronald McDonald House’s “Home for Dinner” program, guest chefs and donors provide more than just a nourishing meal.
“They give the gift of time so that families can spend more moments together without the stress of cooking after a long day at the hospital or wondering how to pay for their next meal amid mounting medical bills,” said Pederson.
“Being able to provide a hot meal or a quick snack is one of the most important ways we can help those we serve feel they are truly staying at their ‘home-away-from-home.’ Having one less worry is a valuable benefit to families who are focusing all of their energies on their sick child,” she added.
Blue Heron Brewpub has supplied meals of Chicken Ravioli and Lasagna, as well as fresh-baked goodies from their in-house bakery for dessert.
“We are always looking for ways to be more involved in the community,” said Manager Danielle Nystrom. “I think this is a great opportunity for restaurants to get involved and share their love of food with those in need.”
While their son Archer was staying in the NICU for 11 weeks, the Hendricks family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. They expressed their appreciation for the program in a recent letter.
“Knowing that we always had a good meal to come back to and quick snacks throughout the day made a world of difference during our stay at the Ronald McDonald House,” they wrote. “If a meal was not provided, we would not have made it a priority to eat.”
Those interested in learning more about the “Home for Dinner” program or scheduling a meal can call 715.387.5899 or email [email protected]
