Ronald McDonald House Welcomes Hockey Stars

LOMA LINDA>> On Wednesday, March 22, the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House welcomed Los Angeles Kings President Luc Robitaille and Ontario Reign President Darren Abbott for a dedication ceremony of the Family Activity Center, an area that houses many Kings and Reign decor. Mike Kovack, executive director of the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House, helped lead the event and introduced Jesse Duran, morning radio host for Kola 99.9, as the emcee for the afternoon. As the ceremony began, Duran introduced Robitaille and Abbott as those in attendance gave a loud applause welcoming them to the Ronald McDonald House. “We are honored to have the Kings and the Reign be a part of this that really helps improve the lives of the families here," Duran said. "The families in this facility are dealing with the worse situation in their lives and this helps bring some normalcy and make it a little better for everybody involved. There’s nothing better you can do than return to normalcy when you’re going through some of the situations that these families are." The Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House helps house families from all over the Inland Empire who have a critically ill or injured child at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. The house also provides many amenities and support at no charge for the families. Jay Brand, board member of the Ronald McDonald House, spoke about the expansion the house has made and the donations that helped make it possible, including a $1 million donation from the LA Kings and Ontario Reign. "We have been blessed with this and to be recognized by the Reign and the Kings helps us understand that our house isn’t a Loma Linda house," Brand said. "It’s now the Inland Empire house, because we are a regional house. We serve a lot of their families, not just in Ontario, but in LA and Orange County." Before cutting the ribbon, Robitaille spoke to those in attendance and said the teams understands the value the house has for all the families that go through it. "For us to be involved, it’s such a no-brainer," Robitaille said. "It’s something that it’s important for both of our organizations and were very grateful because every day that someone stays here, it’s almost like a miracle. We know how important this place is." Abbott also stated that it has been a great opportunity for the teams to be a part of the house. Gayle Covey, a representative from the office of County Supervisor James Ramos, was in attendance to give recognition and also shared her own personal story of her stay the Ronald McDonald House. During the ceremony, Katie, one of the parents staying at the house, stopped by to see what the ceremony was all about. Katie, a resident from Huntigton Beach, had spent at least three weeks in the house with her son Aiden, 11, as he went under inpatient and outpatient care. Katie said her son was doing better and hoped they would be able to go home soon. “If it wasn’t for this house, we would be driving 2-4 hours a day, every day," Katie said. "We are very grateful.” Katie mentioned her son and friend were fans of Robitaille and the teams. With emotion welling inside, Katie thanked Robitaille and Abbott for being a part of the large contribution to the house. After the ribbon was cut, those in attendance went inside the activity room where Robitaille signed the bubble hockey game that families can enjoy. Robitaille also took time to sign autographs and take photos with attendees. For more information about the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House, call (909) 747-1200.