Tampa Bay Charity Calls For Donations To Feed Families In Need

Press release from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay Inc:

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF TAMPA BAY CALLS FOR DONATIONS TO FEEDFAMILIES IN NEED

Raymond James Turns to the Community, Hoping $10,000 Donation Will Double

TAMPA BAY, Fla. - June 4, 2020 - Today Ronald McDonald House Charities of TampaBay (RMHC), a not-for-profit that provides a safe haven and meals for families with children receiving treatment in local hospitals, announced the launch of the Raymond James Match Campaign. Like so many other charities, RMHC has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic, which halted its fundraising events and volunteer meal efforts. To ensure the charity has the resources it needs, longtime supporter Raymond James & Associates is encouraging the community to donate now, and they will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000, in an effort to raise $20,000 for the charity. These funds will go directly to RMHC's meal program, providing four weeks' worth of food to families.

"During this time of crisis, we have continued to provide a place to stay, meals and support to families with critically ill children," said Lisa Suprenand, Executive Director of RMHC. "Raymond James and the Harring Group have been committed partners to our mission for 25 years. We are asking the community to invest in RMHC so we can double the return for families with theRaymond James match."

The families staying at the Ronald McDonald House are already going through what may be the hardest crisis they will ever experience, and COVID-19 makes their situation even more complicated and difficult.

Before the pandemic, RMHC relied on community volunteers to come into the fourRonald McDonald Houses and prepare meals for families. Now that pandemic-related rules are in place, which is especially important for family members in residence who may be immune compromised, meals can no longer be prepared on premises for the families, making the need for food mission-critical. Additionally, RMHC's annual Storybook Ball fundraiser, which brings in donations that the charity depends on, was canceled and vital revenue was lost.

The Raymond James history with RMHC is long standing, championed by Jeff Harring, Sr. Vice President of Harring Planning Group of Raymond James &Associates and a valued member of RMHC's board of trustees. Jeff and his wife, Jeanice, have encouraged Raymond James to donate $10,000 annually to theStorybook Ball, but when the event was canceled, the couple took the lead to create a match or "double it" campaign to raise additional funds.

"Keeping families together is more important than ever during times like these," commented Harring, SVP of Harring Planning Group of Raymond James &Associates. "Raymond James is proud to support the work of Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities in their effort to provide resources and support for children and their parents."

The 65 individuals currently staying at Ronald McDonald House are families who were there prior to the pandemic. These are parents with premature babies, cancer or trauma patients, CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia) families with critically ill infants, and families with children receiving life-changing therapies and medical procedures.

Suprenand continued, "Our mission is very personal to The Harring Group, and the worry is that tough decisions will have to be made and families will be adversely affected during this time. The Harrings and Raymond James want the community to have a reason to give to a wonderful cause and agreed that a matching gift would provide the needed motivation."

Beyond the generous Raymond James Match campaign, RMHC is urging local restaurants and food trucks to consider donating to its emergency meal program. Each week the charity provides over 700 meals, totaling $5,000 weekly.

To donate family meals now, text MEAL to 22452, or visit rmhctampabay.org/coronavirus. Any amount is welcome, and as an example, a gift of $40 will provide a meal for one family. Donations also support local TampaBay restaurants.

This press release was produced by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay Inc. The views expressed here are the author's own.