• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Popular chicken salad chain to roost in Austin area with 8 locations
    Egg-cellent news
    Popular chicken salad chain to roost in Austin area with 8 locations
    By John Egan
    Brianna Caleri: 5 things to know in Austin food right now: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
    News You Can Eat
    5 things to know in Austin food: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
    By Brianna Caleri
    Hannah J. Phillips: Healthy food pioneer Picnik plants new roots with South Austin opening
    New Picnik
    Healthy food pioneer Picnik plants new roots with South Austin opening
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin suburb sizzles among hottest ZIP codes for homebuyers, plus more top stories
    Hot Headlines
    Austin suburb among hottest ZIPs for buyers, plus more top stories
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Alex Bentley: Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun again by going back in time
    Movie Review
    Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun by going back in time
    By Alex Bentley
    Paige Turner: Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this 4th of July weekend
    Weekend Event Guide
    Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this 4th of July weekend
    By Paige Turner

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin's Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of author James Joyce
    Bibliophiles ReJoyce
    Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of James Joyce
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together to celebrate banned books
    Freedom to Read
    Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together for banned books
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Brianna Caleri: Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with annual grants
    Wish Granted
    Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with grants
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austinites gather to toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at the Tastemakers
    A Delicious Celebration
    Austinites toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at Tastemakers
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Katey Psencik Outka: Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    Ranch Rider
    Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    By Katey Psencik Outka
    Katey Psencik Outka: Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    Real Wedding
    Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    By Katey Psencik Outka

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : ZACH Theatre
    Entertainment
    ZACH Theatre
    : Spiderhouse Ballroom
    Entertainment
    Spiderhouse Ballroom
    : Vic Mathias Shores
    Entertainment
    Vic Mathias Shores

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : Brick Rodeo
    7.3.22 | 9:00 am
    Brick Rodeo
    : Museum of Ice Cream
    7.3.22 | 10:00 am
    Museum of Ice Cream
    : The Black Hair Experience Pop Up Selfie Museum
    7.3.22 | 10:00 am
    The Black Hair Experience Pop Up Selfie Museum

    SPONSORED BY

  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear skies for 4th of July
    Star-spangled atmosphere
    Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear 4th of July skies
    By John Egan
    : Austin reopens more city pools for 4th of July weekend
    Just keep swimming
    Austin reopens more city pools for 4th of July weekend
    By Hannah Ortega, KVUE
    Hannah J. Phillips: SXSW heads down under in 2023 with first festival in Sydney
    SXSydney
    SXSW heads down under in 2023 with first festival in Sydney
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Former Texas Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    Sporting Fashion
    Former Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott shines with dazzling engagement ring collection
    Great Scott
    Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott debuts dazzling new engagement rings
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Kristen O'Brien: Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    Hermès Home
    Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    By Kristen O'Brien

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin area
    It takes a village
    New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin
    By John Egan
    John Egan: Austin suburb sizzles with one of the hottest U.S. ZIP codes for homebuyers
    Building a reputation
    Austin suburb sizzles with one of the hottest ZIP codes for homebuyers
    By John Egan
    Hannah J. Phillips: Stunning Lake Austin home owned by Counting Crows pianist hits market to tune of $4.25 million
    Keeping up with Mr. Jones
    Counting Crows pianist's Lake Austin home for sale to tune of $4.25M
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    So long
    Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic Galveston homes on popular tour
    living history
    Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic homes on Galveston tour
    By Holly Beretto
    David Phillips: Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for first Texas showroom
    Become a Yardbird
    Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for Texas debut
    By David Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
    Pedal to the metal
    Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
    By John Egan
    John Egan: 8 Austin leaders named entrepreneurs of the year in regional awards
    Entrepreneurial Spirit
    8 Austin leaders named entrepreneurs of the year in regional awards
    By John Egan
    Steven Devadanam: Texas entrepreneur scales to new heights with innovative marketplace for the outdoors
    a mountainous achievement
    Texas entrepreneur scales to new heights with innovative marketplace
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Galveston Island State Park reopens for beachside fun after major makeover
    park it in galveston
    Galveston Island State Park reopens for beachside fun after makeover
    By Steven Devadanam
    Hannah J. Phillips: River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38 million transformation
    Revamped River Walk
    River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38M transformation
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    John Egan: Spa at Hill Country resort previously owned by George Strait goes up in flames
    Blaze near Boerne
    Spa at George Strait's former Hill Country resort goes up in flames
    By John Egan

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Promoted articles are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » City Life
Most Popular Stories
Japanese bookstore opening, Qui's restaurant shutters and more stories
Supermarket sweep
Austin grocery giant reveals hottest food trends for 2018
LATEST NEWS
An unforgettable summer vacation is only a short drive away in Plano
Holiday Giving

An easy and fulfilling way to help Central Texas families this holiday season

An easy and fulfilling way to help Central Texas families this holiday

By CultureMap Create
Nov 15, 2017, 1:30 pm
Enlarge
Slideshow
Krystal Smith and her son, Gus
Krystal Smith and her son, Gus. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities has been serving Central Texas since 1985. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Gus Smith and his father
Chet Smith with his son, Gus. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas is located by Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Baby Gus Smith
Gus benefited from the care he received, and his family benefited from Ronald McDonald House Charities. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Krystal Smith and her son, Gus
Krystal Smith found it invaluable to be so close to her son during his treatment. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House allows families to stay together during a seriously ill or injured child's treatment. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Krystal Smith and her son, Gus
Ronald McDonald House
Gus Smith and his father
Ronald McDonald House
Baby Gus Smith
Krystal Smith and her son, Gus
Ronald McDonald House

Since 1985, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas has been providing vital services to the families of critically ill or injured children, from housing and support groups to care packages. But perhaps most importantly, they've been doing it with the help of their communities, people like you who are lending a hand to help when others need it most.

This year, consider including Ronald McDonald House Charities in your seasonal giving. Here's how your generosity can help their families:

Ronald McDonald House
Nothing is scarier for a sick child than not having Mom and Dad close by for love and support. Many families travel far from home and spend several weeks or even months to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children — that's a long time to be away or to divide a family. The Ronald McDonald House is much more than a room to stay in; it provides comfort, support and resources for families with sick children just steps from the hospital. Families are asked to make a small donation of $20 per night, however, no family is ever turned away if they can’t make a donation.

Krystal Smith experienced the generosity of the Ronald McDonald House first-hand, when her three-week-old son Gus had to be airlifted to Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin for emergency treatment. She quickly threw a bag together, and her mother and sister arrived with only the clothes they were wearing.

"I had no idea the Ronald McDonald House would be my home for seven months," says Smith. "I knew of the Ronald McDonald House, but I never knew how amazing and wonderful this charity was until I needed it. Because I was right across the street from my child’s hospital, I didn’t have a daily 45-minute drive or even have to sleep in the hospital every night. Because of Ronald McDonald House Charities, I wasn’t in constant fear and riddled with anxiety about the distance between me and my son. Every morning I woke up, I could run across the street to my child."

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms
When families walk into one of the five Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, the goal is to help them forget they’re in a hospital. The rooms, which provide comfortable living rooms, kitchen and dining areas, shower and laundry facilities, sleeping quarters, snacks and beverages, and a quiet room, offer families a place to rest and regroup right at the hospital, just moments away from their sick child.

Family Rooms are located at St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas, Dell Children’s Medical Center, St. David’s Medical Center, Ascension Seton, CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, and one slated to open soon at College Station Medical Center.

Jenn and Alex Zavala found comfort at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Dell Children's Medical Center when their daughter, Emerson was born prematurely at only two pounds, five ounces.

"Emerson was in the NICU for 67 days," says Jenn Zavala. "And each day she was there, we were grateful to have the Ronald McDonald Family Room to relax, rest, and regroup so we could stay strong for her."

Happy Wheels Cart
Stocked with items for children and their families, the Happy Wheels Carts stroll the hospital hallways in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units of Central Texas hospitals to distribute complimentary coffee, juice boxes, snacks, coloring books, small toys, toiletries, and other items. Besides the immediate needs these small tokens can meet, they provide simple reminders to the families that RMHC CTX supports them during a challenging time.

Healing Hearts
The unexpected tragedy of losing a child is hard enough, but sometimes families may not have the financial means to cover the cost of properly interring their child. The Healing Hearts program provides families with burial assistance as well as bereavement support from licensed counselors. 

Scott Carden benefited from the Healing Hearts program when, on his seventh wedding anniversary, his daughter Marie died minutes after an emergency C-section.

"My wife and I were devastated and could barely comprehend the grief ahead of us much less what to do with it," says Carden. "Our friends and family supported and listened to us, but unfortunately they didn’t have the relevance and familiarity with the unique pain of losing a child."

Carden and his wife felt isolated in their experience and grief until they walked into a Healing Hearts bereavement meeting, with four other families who had experienced similar tragedies.

"As a dad, I was thankful for an environment where I could open up, speak freely, and connect with other dads," he says. "When I returned to work as an engineer, few of my colleagues (mostly men) wanted to have meaningful discussions because they were unsure of how or even if I wanted to talk.  Even today, I still lean on the dads from the group to talk about and honor Marie."

---

Donate today to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, and help keep families together during the holidays and beyond.

Read These Next
2022 Tastemaker Awards
Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
frida fest in edinburg
From tasty Texas festivals to must-see museums, Edinburg has it all
louis mueller barbecue restaurant
Sink your teeth into legendary barbecue in film-famous Taylor
2022 Tastemaker Awards
Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
frida fest in edinburg
From tasty Texas festivals to must-see museums, Edinburg has it all
louis mueller barbecue restaurant
Sink your teeth into legendary barbecue in film-famous Taylor
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • Austin suburb among hottest ZIPs for buyers, plus more top stories
  • Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
    - promoted -
  • Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear 4th of July skies
  • Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
  • Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun by going back in time
See All Latest News >
  • Austin suburb among hottest ZIPs for buyers, plus more top stories
  • Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
  • New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin
  • Austin suburb sizzles with one of the hottest ZIP codes for homebuyers
  • 5 things to know in Austin food: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
Vote Now
Where to Eat Austin
3/11
Where to eat in Austin: 12 hot spots to feed your face during SXSW
10/1
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 spots near ACL Fest to feast on
8/13
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 best restaurants for summer bites
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>