Ronald McDonald House gets boost from ADPi

The McDonalds of Martin and ADPi sorority of UTM pictured from left: Debbie Falberg, Rina Socht, Kira Scott, Malayna McGhee, Norine Elkins and Lauren Johnson

Story by Senior Investigative Reporter Shannon Taylor

The University of Tennessee at Martin’s Alpha Delta Phi (ADPi) chapter has partnered with the Martin McDonalds to do a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) chapter in Memphis.

ADPi’s philanthropy states, “From the time of our founding, Alpha Delta Pi has believed in the importance of giving back to our community. A dedication to philanthropy guides our members to spend time in the service of those who need it most. Our international organization’s commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities has led to the donation of over $15 million over the course of our partnership. More than 350 Ronald McDonald Houses in 64 countries help keep families with seriously ill or injured children together when they need it most by offering them a comfortable, temporary residence in proximity to a medical facility.”

ADPi students helping with the charity include Rina Socht, Kira Scott and Lauren Johnson. McDonalds employees helping out include Debbie Falberg, supervisor and Norine Elks, store manager.

The sorority recently spent the day at the Martin restaurant selling cup sleeves, socks, tumblers and anyone who rounds up their change will see it go directly to the RMHC chapter in Memphis through ADPi.

ADPi has sold a lot and Martin McDonalds is the top fundraiser for the roundup out of their organization for the year to date. They have raised $9,300 so far this year and a lifetime amount of $85,000.

Falberg said that if they continue to raise at the rate they are currently that amount should go up to around $17,000 by the end of the year, which is what they hope to do. “Most of all we wanted to thank everyone that has been donating – the community and the customers – because without them we could not have done this.”

Malayna McGhee, Director of Donor Services with RMHC in Memphis, spoke on how thankful she was for ADPi and the McDonalds crew. “They are out here supporting our house so, so well. They are advocates in this community and for the families that do come into Memphis, they are their family in this community. So, they are giving them a home when they do have to go to Memphis and we just cannot thank them enough for that.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis offers children with pediatric cancer and other catastrophic illnesses undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their families a nurturing, family-centered residential community. The House fosters an environment of hope through support services and child-centered activities that encourage children to be children and keep families together near the care they need, always free of charge. This enables families to be near the care they need with the family they love.

RMHC-Memphis has served over 10,900 families from all 50 states and 51 countries since opening in 1991.

Their doors are open to every patient of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, gender, national origin and age.

Donations can be made online at donation (rmhc-memphis.org).