Ronald McDonald House of Rochester announces merger; expands services, service area

(ABC 6 News) – The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester announced it has expanded its services and service area by merging with another Ronald McDonald House charity.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota has merged with the Rochester charity to form Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest | MN, WI, IA.

The merge become official on Jan. 1, 2023.

“The merger of our chapters creates a synergy of resources and passion, allowing us to amplify our impact and deliver greater support to families in need,” said Nick Mueller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest | MN, WI, IA.

The newly formed chapter and its core programs (Ronald McDonald House, grants) will operate out of its existing physical location in Rochester.

“Moving ahead, the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester will continue to be the heartbeat of our organization and core to delivering our mission,” Mueller said. “And we are so excited for the future as RMHC Midwest | MN, WI, IA.”

As a full Ronald McDonald House Charities chapter, RMHC Midwest | MN, WI, IA will have additional opportunities to serve children and families in western Wisconsin, northeast Iowa, and southern Minnesota, including those who live in Olmsted County and those who receive services from other healthcare partners.

The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester has provided a home away from home and support to families seeking medical care for their children at Mayo Clinic. The 70-room House is the largest Ronald in the state of Minnesota, the 13th largest in the country (out of 186), and the 17th largest in the world (380). Today, the House is serving more families than ever before, providing a place to stay for more than 1,000 families each year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota creates, finds, and supports programs in its communities that directly improve the health and well-being of children by addressing educational, social, and medical needs. Over the past 29 years, the chapter has awarded more than $12 million in grants to medical partners and nonprofit organizations. In 2022 alone, it awarded $1.1 million to nonprofits in a 62-county area spanning Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.