Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana provides families with hospitalized children care, comfort, and community when they need it most.
Pediatric illness does not stop due to COVID-19, and neither does the work they do to support families – but they need our help.
From now through May 2nd, Ronald McDonald House Charities is raising funds in support of its Un-Gala, a 30-day online event packed with entertainment, special guests, family stories and more – all to help families with hospitalized children get better together.
Click here for more details and to donate or text UNGALA to 50155 to make a donation.
Check out What's Happening for the Un-Gala:
Wednesday, April 29th
10:00 A.M. - WELCOME / LIVE EVENT
Welcome to the Un-Gala! Join us to hear from Fred and RMHC-CNI CEO Holly Buckendahl about what we have in store over these next several days.
12:00 P.M. - MEET THE CEPKAUSKAS FAMILY
Hear from the Cepkauskas family about their experience at Ronald McDonald House.
1:00 P.M. - START A PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISER
Start an Un-Gala fundraiser and invite your friends, family, colleagues, and community to join you in helping us raise $1 million so families can get better
together
3:00 P.M. - MEALS FROM THE HEART
Indulge in this delicious mealtime favorite that your whole family will love! See Ronald McDonald House Chef, Amari Walls, share her recipe for Mac & Cheese.
7:00 P.M. - FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Pull out your family’s favorite game, puzzle or LEGO set and enjoy some quality time together. Share your photos with us on Facebook to win a LEGO prize.
Thursday, April 30th
10:00 A.M. - ARTS & CRAFTS
(presented by the Cantalupo Family) Get creative! From pom-poms and popsicle sticks for the little ones to acrylic and canvas for the more seasoned artists, host your own art gallery at home.
12:00 P.M. - KENDALL COYNE & MICHAEL SCHOFIELD / LIVE EVENT
Tune in for a Q&A with U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist, Kendall Coyne, and Super Bowl Champ, Michael Schofield, hosted by ABC 7 Sports Anchor,Dionne Miller. They’ll offer up workout tips at home and share news about the special experience that will be available in our silent auction.
2:00 P.M. - MEET THE RASBERRY FAMILY
Join us to hear from the Rasberry family and learn about their experience at Ronald McDonald House.
4:00 P.M. - PET THERAPY (presented by Martin-Brower)
Spend quality time with your family pets and share your photos.
7:00 P.M. - FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT (presented by Tyson)
Fire up Netflix or browse your Blu-ray library, it’s time to gather for an old classic or make memories around a new family favorite! Post a photo or video of your movie night to enter to win $50 in AMC gift cards!
Friday, May 1st
10:00 A.M. - Q&A WITH RONALD MCDONALD
LIVE EVENT (presented by MOCNI)
Tune into to watch hear from Ronald McDonald himself! The kids won’t want to miss this!
1:00 P.M. - COOKIES FROM THE HEART
We love the smell of freshly baked cookies in our Houses! Comb through a recipe book, grab the family, and whip up a batch. Don’t have a recipe? Check out our Un-Gala Facebook event for one of our volunteer faves!
3:00 P.M. - MEET THE BACKE FAMILY
Hear from the Backe family and learn about their experience at Ronald McDonald House.
4:00 P.M. - RMH HOUSE TOUR
Take a first-hand look at one of our five area Ronald McDonald Houses to see where our families get better together.
5:00 P.M. - CLOSET SHOPPING WITH CANDACE JORDAN
What are you planning to wear for tomorrow’s big party? Let Chicago Tribune columnist, blogger, and gala extraordinaire, Candace Jordan, help you select the
perfect outfit from your very own closet. Post a photo to be entered into a drawing for a $100 Macy’s gift card!
Saturday, May 2nd
9:00 A.M. - MEALS FROM THE HEART
Treat yourself to a decadent family breakfast with all the fixings! Ronald McDonald House Chef, Amari Walls, will share some tips for a delicious brunch.
11:00 A.M. - FAMILY TALENT SHOW
(presented by Dr Pepper)
Sing, dance, juggle or hula hoop! We want to see your talents. Post a photo or video of your talent to be entered to win a School of Rock gift certificate.
3:00 P.M. - AFTERNOON STORYTIME
(presented by The Bensen Family)
Get comfy and tune in as we read favorite children’s stories.
4:00 P.M. - PLAN YOUR PARTY
Watch Dohler’s mixologist teach you how to craft family-friendly mocktails so you’re ready to toast with us tonight.
7:00 P.M. - UN-GALA PRESENTED BY HAVI & WINTRUST / LIVE EVENT
Join our Un-Gala Facebook event for this can’t miss 30-minute live event to hear from Fred and RMHC-CNI Chief Executive Officer, Holly Buckendahl, for an update on the event, hear from families who have experienced Ronald McDonald House, and enjoy entertainment. Be sure to share your own family selfies and videos with us
by tagging #UNGALA2020
9:00 P.M. - SILENT AUCTION CLOSES
Winners will be notified by text message
Frankie Robinson chatted with the Settecase family. Check out the interview below to hear all the amazing things Ronald McDonald House is able to do for families!
Lisa Dent & Robin Rock chatted with the Sherko family. Check out the interviews below to hear all the amazing things Ronald McDonald House is able to do for families!
Marcella Jones chatted with the Settecase family. Check out the interview below to hear all the amazing things Ronald McDonald House is able to do for families!
Fred chatted with the Godish family. Check out the interview below to hear all the amazing things Ronald McDonald House is able to do for families!
Darryl Dennard from Chicago Speaks chatted with Lisa Mitchell, Vice President , Programs and Services with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
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Joe Soto chatted with the Settecase family. Check out the interview below to hear all the amazing things Ronald McDonald House is able to do for families!
See The Lang Family's story below: