Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala 2025: A night of giving, gratitude and red shoes

Over 800 supporters gathered at The Geraghty in Chicago on April 26 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana’s (RMHC-CNI)annual Gala. Themed “Every Moment Matters,” the event raised over $1.7 million and celebrated the resilience of families facing medical challenges and the community that supports them. 

The evening began with a heartfelt story from Rachel O’Donovan, who recounted attending the previous year's gala while pregnant, only to find herself relying on the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital days later when her daughter arrived four weeks early. Her narrative underscored the unpredictable nature of life and the critical support RMHC-CNI provides.

The Rizo family was honored as the evening's feature family. Carly and Eric Rizo shared their journey of discovering that one of their twins, Nicholas, had congenital heart disease. Nicholas underwent open-heart surgery at just nine days old, the first of three surgeries in his first year. With Lurie Children’s Hospital located 50 miles from their home, the Ronald McDonald House became a sanctuary for the Rizos, offering them a place to stay and a community of support during their challenging times.

Holly Buckendahl, CEO of RMHC-CNI, and Marion Gross, Board Chair, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the organization's impact on thousands of families and expressing gratitude for the community's unwavering generosity. They highlighted that the Gala is RMHC-CNI's largest fundraising event, vital for providing families with the resources they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of the top 10 McDonald’s General Managers from the McDonald's Owner/Operators of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (MOCNI). Their dedication to the Round-Up for RMHC program contributed to raising $3.4 million in 2024, showcasing the profound impact of community involvement.

Guests, many donning their favorite red shoes, enjoyed live music, late-night McDonald’s snacks and participated in exciting auctions. Items up for bid included a luxury stay in Cancun and tickets to a live taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in New York City, adding a touch of glamour to the heartfelt evening.

The 2025 Annual Gala not only raised essential funds but also reinforced the message that every moment—every laugh, every milestone, every hug—truly matters. Through shared stories and collective generosity, the event encapsulated the spirit of community and the enduring strength of families supported by RMHC-CNI.

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