88S30811 CJM-D
By: Price H.R. No. 84
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo is celebrating
the 40th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for the parents of hospitalized
children to stay close during treatment, the first Ronald McDonald
House was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974; Ronald
McDonald House Charities has since established more than 380 Ronald
McDonald House programs around the world and provides more than
2.2 million overnight stays each year, saving families some
$611 million in lodging and meals; it has further expanded its
services through its Family Rooms on site at hospitals as well as
its Care Mobile programs, which provide essential medical and
dental care to underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, An independent, nonprofit charity, the Ronald
McDonald House of Amarillo opened its doors in 1983; initially
seeking to support families from the Texas Panhandle and
surrounding area, the facility has also served families from nearby
states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and those from
as far away as Canada and Australia; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the original building was replaced with a
new, state-of-the-art facility, which encompasses 12 guest suites
with private bathrooms as well as a communal kitchen, a laundry
room, and four play areas; families are welcome to stay for the
length of their child's treatment, at no cost to them, and they can
rest and recharge at the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the
pediatric floor of Northwest Texas Healthcare System; they also
receive help transitioning back to normal life when they return
home; and
WHEREAS, In addition to supporting the families residing at
the house, the staff and volunteers of Ronald McDonald House
Charities take toys to children at Northwest Texas Healthcare
System and BSA Hospital; and
WHEREAS, True to its mission, the Ronald McDonald House of
Amarillo has made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of
countless children and their families, and it is indeed a pleasure
to honor the organization on this special milestone in its history;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 40th
anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo and extend to
all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for
continued success with their important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo as an expression
of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.