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The L.A. County Fair presented a check for $63,740 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) on Tuesday, a donation collected through the McDonald’s Wednesday promotion during the 2010 Fair. The donation, presented by Los Angeles County Fair Association/Fairplex Chief Executive Officer Jim Henwood, was accepted by RMHCSC CEO Nicole Rubin and Brad Calhoun, chief development officer, at the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House. Also accepting the donation was Robin Berry and Ariel Shelton, and Elizabeth and Jason Cavanillas. Both families are currently staying at the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, a program of RMHCSC, which serves as a home-away-from-home for families whose children are being treated for serious illnesses at local hospitals.
“We are proud to have developed and maintained this worthwhile partnership with McDonald’s,” said Henwood. “The L.A. County Fair is a family destination and a partnership such as this one gives back to those people who need help the most. It’s a win-win situation for our Fairguests and for McDonald’s charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California.”
For the Cavanillas family, the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House has provided a comfortable place to stay, in close proximity to the hospital where her 16-year-old son Jason receives treatment for his second bout of cancer. "After a long day of radiation and chemotherapy, coupled with the emotional ups and down, it is so comforting to come back to a home-cooked-meal and a nice place to sleep," says Elizabeth. "This organization has truly been invaluable."
The Berry-Sheldon family agree. "This is truly a blessed organization," said Robin Berry whose daughter is receiving care for various injuries sustained in a life threatening hiking accident. "They have been unbelievably generous, hospitable, and caring during one of the most difficult times in our lives. They have provided everything we have needed to make our stay comfortable."
The Fair, the largest county fair in the United States, ran Sept. 4 – Oct. 3. This was the fifth year the L.A. County Fair has partnered with McDonald’s restaurants to offer Fair admission and a carnival ride voucher for just $20. A portion of each McDonald’s Wednesday ticket purchased was donated to the RMHCSC. To date, the L.A. County Fair has donated $214,000 to the organization which provides comfort, care and support to children and families throughout the southland through its programs including Ronald McDonald Houses, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Ronald McDonald Family Room.
About Fairplex
Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the world, as well as The Learning Centers which encompasses Fairtime Learning, The Child Development Center, The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), the Junior Fair Board, and the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts. Fairplex also operates a diverse hospitality business with the Sheraton Fairplex, McKinley’s Grille, KOA RV Park, Finish Line Sports Grill, Cornucopia Foods, and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center (opening 2011). The campus is also home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona; horse-racing and Barretts Equine Limited; as well as the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more information, please visit www.fairplex.com.
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