Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond

Since 1980 when the doors of the Ronald McDonald House on Monument Avenue first opened, the nonprofit has been providing care and comfort to families who have a sick or injured child receiving medical care in a Richmond area hospital or treatment center. “The Monument Avenue Ronald McDonald House was known as the Miracle on Monument, and it was the 16th Ronald McDonald House in the world,” explains Emily. “Today the House is one of 382 Houses globally in 64 countries. Ronald McDonald House Charities is 50 years old and here in Richmond we just celebrated our 45th anniversary—that’s 45 years of helping families that are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

While perhaps best known for providing free accommodations and a home-away-from-home, RMHC Richmond has worked hard to expand its programs. The charity provides services to help meet the needs of families inside the hospital that range from serving warm meals and Lunches with Love to circulating Hospitality Carts that provide essentials and snacks to families.

Betsy Lacy, TowneBank vice president and commercial banker (left) works closely with Emily as the Ronald McDonald House is continuing to grow and serve children and their families.

Children have been the focus on Ronald McDonald House Charities for 50 years.

Because the need for lodging is so great, RMHC Richmond also partners with area hotels and includes funds in their budget to cover hotel stays. “We know that the need is there. Richmond is striving to be nationally recognized for its pediatric specialty care, and we have to position ourselves to support that growth,” Emily says. “Our discharge data is showing us that there is a need for anywhere between 50 to 62 rooms in 2025. We are offering a wonderful service, but the demand is much greater than we can meet.”

Last year, RMHC Richmond closed on land at 505 West Leigh Street in the historic Jackson Ward community. “This was a big milestone for an expansion that has been part of our vision for about 10 years,” Emily says. “Ideally, a Ronald McDonald House is no more than a mile away from your number one referral partner, which is CHoR, and this puts us one mile away. It will offer green space, which is wonderful and something hard to find in the city. It will have community spaces for gatherings, outdoor gardens, and play areas.”

“Right now we have a total of 15 sleep rooms,” says Emily. “We have nine sleep rooms at our Monument House and four sleep rooms at our in-hospital Ronald McDonald House at the new Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR) that opened in July 2023. That also has a laundry room, kitchen, play area, and other spaces where families can take a break, grab something to eat, watch TV, escape the clinical setting, and find some solace and peace outside of the hospital room. We also have a Family Room and two sleep rooms at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital. Within the last two years, we have opened three new in-hospital programs – the Ronald McDonald House at CHoR, a Family Room at HCA Johnson-Willis Hospital, and a Hospitality Kiosk at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.”

Before taking the helm at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond over a year ago, Emily led the major gift program at the Children's Hospital Foundation for five years, which gives her a unique perspective. “That’s where I grew to appreciate Ronald McDonald House Charity's mission, because I saw how it directly impacts families with children being treated at the hospital.”

The Ronald McDonald House on Monument Avenue opened in 1980 and was known as the Miracle on Monument.

Emily has a lot of respect for TowneBank. “I have a special place in my heart for TowneBank because they are a community bank. In my past fundraising roles, I have seen Towne really step up and invest in their community. Vice president and commercial banker Betsy Lacy has been so helpful in offering guidance on our financing needs. Betsy also serves as a volunteer on our board of directors.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities-Richmond is planning a major expansion in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. The new house will be close to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

RMHC Richmond hopes to break ground in the fall of 2026 on its new Ronald McDonald House. “We could be in the House at the end of 2027. That would be optimistic, but we are optimistic,” adds Emily. “We are optimistic that the community will embrace and support this. Every gift makes an impact. When burdens are lifted, these families can focus on healing their sick or injured child.”

For more information on how to volunteer or make a gift, visit RMHC-Richmond.org.