Every year, Michelle decorates her fireplace with a celebratory display for her boys’ birthdays. But when her son Liam’s most recent birthday arrived, the family wasn’t at home. They were navigating the aftermath of his transplant.
“Birthdays are a big deal in our home,” says Michelle, whose family stayed at Ronald McDonald House Arkansas and North Louisiana’s Little Rock campus after her son’s surgery. “When Liam celebrated his birthday here, the staff graciously let me decorate the fireplace mantel in the main gathering area.”
The celebration continued as RMH welcomed Liam’s family and friends and even organized a motorcycle parade in his honor.
“It transformed what could have been a difficult birthday into a memory our family will cherish forever,” Michelle says.
Since the first RMH opened in Little Rock in 1981, the organization has been a “home” for more than 70,000 families whose children were receiving hospital care. There, families receive the comforts of home at no cost while staying close to their child.
“Their compassion goes far beyond simply providing a place to stay,” Michelle says. “The generosity from volunteers and donations allowed us and so many families to focus on what matters most: our child.”
“Our goal is simple,” CEO Janell Mason says. “We know families are stronger when they’re together. When a child is fighting for their life, family isn’t a visitor. Family stays. And we’ll be there to support them every step of the way.”
It’s fundraising events like October’s A Night in Vegas that help RMH provide that support and create meaningful memories like Liam’s for countless families each year.
A more nightlife-centered addition to the organization’s event lineup, A Night in Vegas brings the energy of the Strip to guests with casino games, live entertainment and a cirque flair.
Event chair and longtime supporter Bailey Clark stepped into a leadership role this year with backing from her employers and co-presenting sponsors, Flexion Point and Arkansas Talent Group.
According to Clark, this year’s event will keep the elements guests know and love while introducing a few changes, including a new venue. The Dreamland Ballroom’s new speakeasy space will be the perfect backdrop for the glamorous vintage circus vibes Clark and her team have planned. Think: jazz, baton throwers, table games and tarot card readers.
“This is a great event and is something that called to me because this is one of the few organizations where you can really see dollar for dollar exactly where your money is going,” Clark says. “The money that is raised from this event goes directly to feeding the families that are on site so they don’t have to worry about anything while their child is staying at a local hospital.”
Last year’s event raised a record-breaking $65,000, and the self-described competitive Clark hopes to exceed that total this year.
“The biggest push we’re making [this summer] is for sponsorships because that’s where the bulk of the total came from last year,” Clark says. “[In July, we were] already a third of the way there, which is really great progress so far, but I really want to blow it out of the water this year.”
As construction continues for RMH’s ninth program, Ronald McDonald House: Baptist Health, ongoing support is crucial. The 6,000-square-foot space on the hospital’s second floor is expected to open in the fourth quarter and will offer a kitchen, living and dining areas, a stocked pantry, a coffee bar, remote workspaces and other amenities for families, including those not staying overnight. The space will allow families with babies in the NICU to stay just steps away from their child.
“I have been fortunate enough that I’ve never had to use their services, but I do have three children, so I know every parent’s worst fear is dealing with the sickness or injury of their child,” Clark says. “I think it’s really important for people in our community to get involved in things, even if it’s not something that directly affects them, because you never know when it could be you.”
And she hopes the families feel the support surrounding them.
“I want them to know they’re not alone, and there are so many people behind the scenes that are keeping them in their prayers,” Clark says. “They may never know our names or see our faces, but [we do what we do] so they can focus on their kids and not worry about anything else.”
a NIGHT IN VEGAS, Benefitting RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ARKANSAS & NORTH lOUISIANA
Oct. 1, 6 p.m. | Dreamland Ballroom
Info: anightinvegas.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
HAIR & MAKEUP
BAILEY RANKIN
CLOTHING
BARBARA/JEAN
FURNITURE
GALAXY OFFICE FURNITURE
SHOT ON LOCATION
DREAMLAND BALLROOM