Our History

RMHC Austin hosts the first Bandana Ball at the Austin Opera House. Organized as one of the biggest country western parties in Austin, the Bandana Ball put a new twist on fundraisers by encouraging guests to wear their best cowboy outfits. Over 500 people attended the inaugural event and $68,000 was raised to support RMHC Austin’s program.

RMHC Austin hosts the first annual Lights of Love 5K in the Mueller neighborhood. Organized to kick-off the season, the Lights of Love 5K brought family, friends and our community together in a fun-holiday inspired event that supported our families.

Friends of the House, a network of passionate young professionals dedicated to helping families served by RMHC Austin, is formed. Through networking, fundraising and volunteerism, Friends of the House is raising the bar for young professional philanthropy in Austin.

A record 1,700 families are cared for through the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Healing Hearts program. Over 8,100 room nights were provided to families and over 31,000 visits were made to the three Family Rooms. The Healing Hearts program provided burial assistance to 143 families.

RMHC CTX wins eBay Small Business Challenge and teams with a group of eBay professionals to redesign the website. The Small Business Challenge gives employees at eBay an opportunity to give back to their community and partner with nonprofits to identify issues, solve challenges and improve processes.

JE Dunn Construction, CasaBella Architects, 360 Electrical, Dynamic Systems, Texas Fixtures and a generous supporter of RMHC CTX all came together to help us install kitchenettes in two guest suites. These enhanced guest suites will provide additional privacy and comfort to families who have children in long-term treatment.

Complete with birthday cake, balloons, family fun and music, RMHC CTX celebrated its 30th birthday on February 22 at the Ronald McDonald House. Community friends, partners, volunteers and former families joined the celebration as we honored our heritage and three decades of caring for families with hospitalized children.