The 20th anniversary celebration of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Southwest Florida’s “Eat Clay Love” event March 23 brought in more than $30,000 to help the charity keep families close.
More than 125 guests gathered at the Ronald McDonald House in south Fort Myers and enjoyed house tours, music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and a buffet-style dinner prepared by Chef Brian Roland of CRAVE Culinaire in a tent under the stars.
Eat Clay Love Celebrity Artists
The bulk of the donations came from a live auction of 26 serving platters that were works of art created by local “celebrity artists,” including Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group Owner Sandy Stilwell, RMHC of Southwest Florida Executive Director Laura Ragain, and The News-Press Media Group President and Publisher Mike Jung, among others. Ronald McDonald was also present not only as a guest artist but as the auctioneer’s assistant.
2018 Event
“What a wonderful evening to host so many great community minded people who truly believe in and support our mission, and once again proved it at Eat Clay Love,” Ragain said.
“We look forward to next year’s event, and are already getting inquires from people who want to participate. So we expect the 2018 event to be even bigger and better.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families in Southwest Florida. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida supports the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® as well as Grants and Scholarship Programs.
Fundraisers Key to Success
Ronald McDonald House Charities relies on fundraisers like Eat Clay Love, general and in-kind contributions, and memorials to fund a significant portion of House Program’s operations, expenses, furnishings and supplies.
Read more about the nonprofit’s success in providing a “home away from home” for families with children receiving medical treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Ronald McDonald House is located at 16100 Roserush Court in Fort Myers. Call (239) 437-0202.
