(Left to right): Larry Vinyard, chairman of the board, lighting the mortgage with Wynelle Patrick and Henry Hoss from Barto, Hoss & Company, and CEO & President, Jane Kaylor
The Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House proved they know how to celebrate being a quarter of a century this past weekend, Since they are officially turning 25 years old on Nov. 18, they planned a 3-in-1-event called “25 years in 25 hours.” The main goal of the celebration was to not only celebrate a successful 25 years, but mainly to raise enough funds to burn (pay off) the remaining mortgage of $170,000. By burning the mortgage, the House is essentially debt-free and plans can begin to build a new Ronald McDonald Family Roominside the proposed Children’s Hospital coming in the near future to Erlanger.
There were three events planned for the 25 hour time frame. First, they had a volunteer brunch on Saturday morning to honor loyal volunteers. The party continued that night at the glamorous Red Hot Red Striped Gala also at the Convention Center. The event involved a program with masters of ceremonies, Kim Chapman and Calvin Sneed from WTVC and a performance from the Malemen Show Band.
"Both events that day brought inspiration, fun, and many tender moments," officials said.
The final event, the birthday party/family reunion, was held on Sunday at the Ronald McDonald House. Hundreds of former and current families who’ve experienced staying at the House came to share memories and enjoy inflatables, barbecue, crafts, a photo booth, tours, and a Ronald McDonald meet and greet.
RMHC Co-Founder and former General Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jimmy Murray, spoke at all three events giving words of wisdom, “the word silent and the word listen have exactly the same letters.” Other weekend attendees included the first family to stay at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House, the Bailers, and Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann at the Red Hot Red Striped Gala.
The celebration ended with a ceremonial burning of the mortgage. Chairman of the RMHC Board, Larry Vinyard, Wynelle Patrick and Henry Hoss, both from Barto, Hoss & Company, led in lighting the mortgage papers on fire to symbolize being debt-free. Mr. Hoss is also the Ronald McDonald House Treasurer of the Board
A special thank you went out the Valerie Wright Foundation for their $100,000 donation towards the anniversary, Red Hot Red Striped Gala sponsors, Chattanooga area McDonald’s owner/operators, volunteers, and other various Chattanooga RMHC supporters.