Ronald McDonald House Arkansas volunteer makes all the difference

Local news, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, recently talked with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas (RMHCA) to discuss an important contributor and volunteer who has time and time again donated their support and financial gifts. 

Donna Clark Outside of Ronald McDonald House Arkansas

RMHCA Facility 

RMHCA consists of 32 suites, a large kitchen, and recreation areas all housed in its state-of-the-art facility. This house, and others across the country, would not have been possible without the generosity of supporters such as Donna Clark and her late husband David Clark who donated towards the opening of the house in 2016.

Continued Involvement

Since then, Clark has been extremely involved with the RMHCA. She had this to say to the Gazette about the work they do, “We are a home away from home when families have seriously ill children and need to be close to them. Family helps in the healing process. The closer the family is to a sick child, the better their chance for recovery”. She is proud of the work they do and is happy to be a part of the team.

Staff members had good things to say about her and the work she does for RMHCA. Janell Mason, executive director of the house, commented that “she has a heart as big as Texas and is ready to take the lead”. She has worked closely with Clark for six years now and is grateful for the support she has given over the years. Having dedicated volunteers who continuously show up and give their support is essential to the important work being done in communities across the country. 

Advertisement for the RMHCA Red Carpet Fundraiser

Fundraising 

Through her position on the development committee, Clark has been instrumental in planning and implementing a number of new fundraising ideas. Such as the Red Carpet event that allows women staying at the house to get new clothes and other necessities they might need during their stay. She also spear headed a rebranding of their annual fundraiser, a Night in Vegas. Unfortunately, this event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Another annual fundraiser, Chocolate Fantasy Ball, is still a toss-up of how it will be held and details to come soon. 

COVID Effects 

The pandemic has definitely made things harder for them as a local chapter, but they are continuing to help families and the community which we are extremely proud of. COVID-19 has certainly hit our whole organization hard, as it has for many others, but we know we can count on dedicated supporters such as Clark to continue striving towards our mission. Mason remarks that Clark has been a big part of adjusting throughout this pandemic, we value her enthusiasm and creativity greatly and are incredibly thankful for her support during this time. 

Exterior of Ronald McDonald House Arkansas Facility

Conclusion 

Volunteers and contributors such as Clark are instrumental in making our dream a reality. Generous donors such as them help us to achieve our mission of helping families stay together and we could not be more grateful for that and all the dedicated work they do to supporting local and national avenues.  

Clark concluded by saying, “just knowing all the good that is done here, that makes it all worth it”.