Community Gathers to Support Recovery

On Oct. 4, the 5th Annual Food and Wine Tasting was held at the Historic Burrage Mansion in Redlands. The annual event, presented by the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, which benefits families of critically ill children, included jugglers roaming the gardens and silk aerial artists contorted themselves to the entertainment of guests. Though the night was light with wine and gourmet food, the event's focus was fixed on the families who stay at the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House facility. Daryl Norsell from KCAL narrated the night’s events and auctions. The purpose of the night was to raise awareness and fund raise in support of the continued goals of LLRMH. The operation requires about $1 million per year to run. All proceeds from ticket sales, and silent and live auctions benefited the cause. Some of the items up for auction included diamond earrings, artwork, a bicycle and a golfing package. One of the people responsible for this community event is Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Mike Kovack who has been there since the inception of the event 5 years ago. Kovack expressed his passion for the cause as he said, “…The hospital is going to take care of the baby who’s sick but who’s taking care of the family? And that’s where we come in and take care of the family; keep them healthy, mentally, physically, and emotionally, so that they can be the support at the hospital.” According to Kovack there have been statistics proving that a patients’ stay is reduced by almost 2 weeks when their parents are close by or at their bedside. The Ronald McDonald House currently has 21 guest rooms and families have to be placed in hotels because there just isn’t enough room. However, that won’t be the case for long. Plans are underway to expand the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House by another 36 rooms. One of those families is the Black family. Krystal and Tommy Black, who attended the fundraiser, gave a personal testimony of their stay at the Ronald McDonald House after their daughter Gracie’s premature birth. Krystal related the importance of the house, where parents and siblings could come home, cry, recharge and share in their similar stories. They shared that this allowed them to return to the hospital with renewed faith and hope. Gracie will be 3 years old in December. As all the corks were popped and the gourmet treats had all been served, the night wound to a close; the message was not lost amongst the festivities. Attendees agreed that the event was clearly a success. The two-pronged goal of raising awareness and funds for the House was accomplished at the hands of the organizers, volunteers, and attendees.