From left to right, Jay Jenkins- President, Friends of the Ronald McDonald House, Bill McCord - Board Member, Ronald McDonald House, Steve Davenport - Treasurer, Friends of the Ronald McDonald House, Bill Moore - Board Chair, Ronald McDonald House. In front from left to right, Jane Kaylor - Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House, Tracy Hightower - Vice-President, Friends of the Ronald McDonald House, Autumn Witt- Secretary, Friends of the Ronald McDonald House. Click to enlarge.
Dozens of area young professionals and business leaders attended a pre-Cinco de Mayo party hosted by the Friends of the Ronald McDonald House on Thursday, May 4, at the Tortilla Factory in downtown Chattanooga.
The second annual event was held to recruit local young professionals to assist with the Ronald McDonald House community fundraising events and programs.
Those that attended the event included: WDEF-TV’s Patty EuBanks, Suzanne Rodgers of Unum Provident, Kip Soteres of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kelly Love of US Courts, Jay Remko of Heil Trailer International, Ashley Remko of Cigna and many others.
“Being a part of the Friends of the Ronald McDonald House has been a wonderful opportunity for me to network with my peers while giving back to the community, said Jay Jenkins, President, Friends of the Ronald McDonald House. Mr. Jenkins says joining the group is about a two-year commitment for members.
Since the group was launched a year ago, about 30 people have joined the Friends of the Ronald McDonald House. The goal is to grow the membership to 50 young people between the ages of 25 and 35. Members have various opportunities to get involved with activities including joining one of several event/program committees or simply volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House for three hours per month. Those interested in joining or learning more about the Friends of the Ronald McDonald House can call (423) 778-4147 or email: chinyere@rmhchattanooga.com
The pre-Cinco de Mayo party is one of several annual community events held by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga. Other upcoming events include: Golf Tournament on Sept. 18 at Black Creek Club, an Auction on Sept. 23 at the Chattanooga Convention Center and a Children’s Festival on Oct. 7-8 at Tennessee Riverpark.