Standing, from left to right, RMHC Board President Dan Miller, Founders John Myers, Garry Finkell, Barbara Hoehn, Kathy Schoolcraft, Debbie Ross, and Dr. Bill Cromie, and CEO Kimmy Venter

18 Nov Oh, What A Night! Audrey’s Children A Celebration of Friends & Founders

Posted at 13:44h in News by

Pictured above, from left to right: RMHC of the Capital Region Board President Dan Miller, Founders John Myers, Garry Finkell, Barbara Hoehn, Kathy Schoolcraft, Debbie Ross, and Dr. Bill Cromie, and CEO Kimmy Venter

Over 500 friends, families, volunteers, and staff were welcomed to the Palace Theater on Thursday, October 16 for the exclusive showing of Audrey’s Children, the inspiring story of renowned pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans, whose bold vision helped create the very first Ronald McDonald House.

“It is truly remarkable to look out on this crowd of more than 500 faces and know that each one of you has played a part in our local Ronald McDonald House history,” shared CEO Kimmy Venter. “Audrey’s philosophy was that where there was a sick child, there was a sick family, and it was essential to care for them all. That’s the foundation of Ronald McDonald House. That is our “why” and we are incredibly fortunate to have been founded here in Albany by people who knew Audrey Evans, who worked alongside her, who believed in her philosophy and committed their lives to caring, just like she did.”

Since opening its doors in 1982, the Albany Ronald McDonald House has welcomed over 25,000 families to The House That Love Built. More than a place to lay their heads, families receive nourishing meals, program support, and a wellspring of comfort to help them on the journey they face with a sick child.

Board President Dan Miller poignantly shared, “My family is one of those 25,000. I can tell you from experience, when your child is in need of care, when your family unit is threatened, when a problem this big presents itself… and an organization, a volunteer, a stranger, steps up and offers to help… it means the world. We were greeted at the door and welcomed by the one and only Debbie Ross. For a month we lived not only free of charge, but free of every worry of life, every need provided for, so that we could be the parents we needed to be.”

Original Founders Debbie Ross, Dr. Bill Cromie. John Myers, and Garry Finkell shared their experiences and warm memories on a video presented at the celebration. Sentiments throughout the evening reiterated how “The House That Love Built” is more than just a slogan. Every brick, table, meal, flower is here because of someone’s love. View this video below and witness the history!

Thanks to friends like YOU, the important work begun by Dr. Evans and our Founders continues to flourish. Please consider making a gift to help care for a sick child and their family today!