Showing a lot of HeArt

BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD

Missy Check, Special Events Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas is gearing up for its 2014 HeArt of Giving gala! The 16th annual event is set for Oct. 18 at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center, part of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health located at 888 W. Bonneville Ave.

Sponsored by McDonald’s, Lexus of Las Vegas, Lotus Broadcasting and Vector Media, “the event is called HeArt of Giving [because] we put a special emphasis on the word ‘art.’ This year we are emphasizing the art of music,” said Missy Check, Special Events Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities. “There will be live entertainment that features a variety of music throughout the evening. Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit organization and the HeArt of Giving gala is our largest fundraiser of the year. Last year’s gala raised more than $300,000.”

The Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas, which opened in 1998, is a 12-bedroom, 13,000 square-foot home. The House provides comfortable, temporary housing for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive critical medical treatment for their children.

Over the last 16 years, it has provided housing for more than 3,700 families. The average length of stay in 17 nights, saving families more than $398,000 in lodging costs.

Celebrating the power of music.

“The demographic makeup of the families we serve is very diverse, and includes African-Americans, Hispanics and Caucasians,” said Check. “The House is for the family of any child who is receiving medical treatment in Greater Las Vegas. Most of our patients are admitted into Sunrise and UMC hospitals. Families staying at the House are asked to pay a $10 per night donation, but are never turned away due to their inability to pay. Our organization is a home away from home for families who live at least 30 miles outside of Greater Las Vegas. Family members who want to be at a loved one’s bedside for an extended period of time can experience high hotel costs. That is why Ronald McDonald House is here to accommodate those families in need.”

Celebrating the power of music.

“RMHC of Greater Las Vegas is a volunteer driven organization. Several volunteer opportunities are available to individuals and groups, such as the nightly dinner program, weekend breakfast program, House and Office volunteers, special events, and many more. For those interested, please contact Volunteer Manager, Christine Fernandez.”

The support of local McDonald’s Owners Operators is crucial to the charity’s success, and Check says “we have an incredible relationship with all the Owner Operators here in Las Vegas. They are very supportive, and always give of their time to assist with our programs.”

There are still opportunities to purchase tickets or become a sponsor of the 16th Annual HeArt of Giving gala, which will have a “Rock and Roll Glam” theme. Attendees to the gala are asked to dress as if attending a concert.

For information, visit www.rmhlv.org or call (702) 252-4663.