Where did the idea for the Ronald McDonald Houses originate?
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in October 1974, as the result of the perseverance and dedication of Fred Hill, a former Philadelphia Eagles football player. After Hill’s daughter, Kim, was treated for leukemia, he and his teammates were determined to do something to benefit families of hospitalized children. A joint effort by the Eagles and Philadelphia-area McDonald’s restaurant owners raised enough money to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. Currently there are 298 Houses in 30 countries around the world, 169 of which are located in the United States. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona opened on February 14, 1981.
