There are all sorts of holiday traditions. Some will make cookies and treats for their friends, family and colleagues while others will drink their way across town while dressed in an elf costume. This year the Portland Yelp Elite Squad continued their tradition of coming together in support a deserving local charity. For 2020 the Elite Squad worked on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House & Charities of Oregon and SW Washington! Between raising funds, donating toys, and performing in acts of service, each participating Elite felt some serious holiday spirit through spreading joy to the families hosted by RMHC.
As has become a Yelp PDX tradition, all December Elite Events doubled as drop points for donated goods. The Elites definitely rose to the occasion, leaving piles of presents at event venues like Papi Chulos and CITYROW. Even those that didn’t bring a gift were inspired by the site of rapidly-growing piles of toys. Fortunately RMHC had a convenient Amazon Wish List full of the most-requested gifts for the season.
The following week, select Yelp Elites visited Portland’s two distinct Ronald McDonald Houses to cook dinner for the guests. The first group gathered at the South Waterfront location and began with a tour of the brand new facilities. Some Elites were surprised at just how many people were staying at the house, plus just how long some of the families had to take up residence. After a quick photo opp with both Santa and a visiting therapy dog, it was time to prepare dinner! On the menu? The definitely kid-approved pizza pasta casserole, garlic toast and a veggie-packed salad.
The next evening, Yelpers traveled to the East house, just off Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. To their surprise, Santa had also made the journey! Also brightening the guests’ day was a visit from Barley, the official mascot of the Hillsboro Hops. And then it was once again time to cook, this time an Indian feast! Teams formed to prepare butter chicken, red lentil curry, and a zesty tomato salad. Once the dinner bell rang, the families gathered to dine and share stories of their stays at the Ronald McDonald House.
Thanks to the Ronald McDonald House for opening their doors to Portland’s Yelp Elites. Our community looks forward to visiting again soon.
About Our Host
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Oregon & SW Washington provides access to medical care, a home away from home, and a community of support for seriously ill or injured children and their families.
After two years of planning, the first Oregon Ronald McDonald House opened in 1984 within walking distance of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. In 1997, two more Ronald McDonald Houses opened: one in Bend, serving families who traveled for care at St. Charles Medical Center, and a second in Portland, just steps away from Randall Children’s Hospital on the campus of Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
In order to meet the evolving needs of our families and to increase capacity, our Houses have undergone various remodels and relocations. What began as one House with 17 guest rooms has evolved into four beautiful Houses with 79 rooms. For more than three decades, our dedicated staff and volunteers have offered comfort and support, a well-stocked kitchen, and a comfortable bed to more than 35,000 families, reminding everyone who enters our Houses that they are always at home and never alone.
Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child — not where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. Families are invited to stay at our Houses for free and offered meals and snacks, which removes a major barrier for families who may not be able to find alternative housing. In Portland, the average hotel costs $175 per night. At our Houses, it’s always $0.
Interested in donating to the RMHC of Oregon & SW Washington? Click here.
