The History of the House that Love Built

At Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville, we owe our continued success to the tireless work of volunteers and the countless contributions from our donors. Because of you, we’ve been helping improve the lives of children and their families for over 36 years. Learn more about our history. Here are some of the historic milestones that you have made possible.

Group of people on a porch, including men in suits and NY Jets jerseys, holding a large check.

1981

The Hearthstone House, precursor to Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville, opens its doors to families with ill or injured children in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Man holding a baby wearing a pink outfit, both looking content.

1988

The Hearthstone House officially becomes a Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Man with microphone in Ronald McDonald House shirt standing near red balloons and wall sign

1992

Ronald McDonald House creates a new program for the families of critically ill children. The first Ronald McDonald Family Room, opening at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, KS.

Modern living room with a stone accent wall, flat-screen TV, black leather sofa, patterned armchairs, coffee table with magazines and decorative apples, and a striped rug.

2002

Worth magazine names Ronald McDonald House one of “America’s 100 Best Charities of 2002”. It’s the second consecutive year Ronald McDonald House receives this honor.

Colorful blocks with letters R, M, H, C in front of a building.

2013

Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville begins a major renovation project to rejuvenate the facility and elevate the level of care provided for guest families.

Exterior view of Ronald McDonald House sign and building.

March 2014

Renovation is completed in March at Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville. The House now has 18 bedrooms, private bathrooms, and modernized kitchen and laundry facilities.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and tile flooring

November 1974

Shamrock Shakes! McDonald’s owner/operators in Philadelphia made the House possible, donating proceeds from the sale of Shamrock Shakes.

Retro McDonald's Shamrock Shake advertisement featuring leprechauns, large shake cup, and text promoting mint flavor.

1987

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Ronald McDonald House establishes the Pop Tab Collection Recycling Program. Since then, participating Houses have raised millions.

A person holding a donation box for Ronald McDonald House Charities, decorated with colorful illustrations and a heart above two hands clasping.

1991

Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville opens a new House within walking distance to UVA Medical Center: 300 9th St. SW.

Ronald McDonald House Charity Charlottesville

2000

Ronald McDonald House launches the first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in Worcester, MA, offering cost-effective medical, dental and health education services to vulnerable children.

A Ronald McDonald Care Mobile parked on a road, featuring a white truck with the Ronald McDonald House Charities logo and graphics on the side, against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky.

2010

Ronald McDonald House celebrates the 300th Ronald McDonald House opening in St. Louis on September 29. The 300th House provides 20 bedrooms and is 18,188 square feet.

Group of people attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ronald McDonald House

2014

Ronald McDonald House celebrates the 40th anniversary of the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House.

Heart-shaped illustration with red stripes.

2018

Worldwide, Ronald McDonald House has 350 houses in 62 countries. Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville continues to look for ways to grow and serve the families of ill and injured children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities sign near an entrance in Charlottesville

October 15, 1974

The first Ronald McDonald House opens in Philadelphia thanks to Dr. Audrey Evans, Philadelphia Eagles’ player Fred Hill, Jim Murray, the Eagles general manager and Ed Rensi.