by Christian Shepherd on 2014-04-09
On April 6, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hosted the Loma Linda 5k Walk for Kids at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. All proceeds from the event went directly to the services and programs that the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) provides.
The RMHSCS has been providing families and children in Southern California with comfort, care, and support for over 30 years through their numerous wellness and educational programs.
The event had no required entrance fee, but a minimum donation of $20 from participants was greatly appreciated and an overall goal of $2.2 million for the entire Walk for Kids fundraiser series. The Loma Linda walk raised a total of $198,079, while the Ronald McDonald House has now raised a total of $1,556,160.71.
Awards were given to those who managed to raise a certain amount for the cause: $100-$299 for a Walk for Kids t-shirt, $250-$499 for a Walk for Kids t-shirt and sports bottle, $500-$999 for a Walk for Kids hat and t-shirt, and anything over $1,000 won a walk for kids t-shirt and sweatshirt. The top teams were awarded special recognitions as well, including awards for most spirited.
Bass Pro, American Medical Response, Team TIGERS, NSBN, and Tom Bell Chevy are currently the top fundraising teams. Kenneth Scurlock, Derek Hanson, Angela Stover, Bob Minor, and Don Jack are currently the top individual fundraisers.
Part of the services provided by RMHCSC include a home for families with children in intensive care as close as possible to the hospital where their child is admitted (the PMHCSC is just across the street from the LLUCH). One family, who made up the walking team, "Team TIGERS", was one of many families that the Ronald McDonald House has helped.
On November 30, 2010, the Cabana family welcomed their son Rhyder into the world. After only a couple of weeks, Rhyder began having seizures and was taken to St. Bernadine’s Hospital. After hospital staff took a look at little Rhyder and his condition, he was transferred to Loma Linda.
“We had no clue what a blessing [the Ronald McDonald House] would turn out to be,” says the Cabana family.
Rhyder condition worsened and was soon put on life support. On December 31, 2010 the Cabana family gathered to say their goodbyes as Rhyder passed away. This has become an inspiration for those who walk.
“During this difficult time the LLRMH was there for us every step of the way. They made it possible for us to be there every time the doctors called telling us to get to the hospital ASAP – as we were literally right across the street. The House made it possible for our family to be together at the most crucial times. When our 2 year old daughter Rhylee was at the House with us they made sure she felt at home too,” says the Cabana family.
The Cabana family has been active in supporting the LLRMH for four years through organizing toy drives to preparing meals every year on Rhyder’s birthday. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California is well on their way to completing their goal.
For more information visit their website, www.walkforkids.org, to see how you can get involved.
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For more than 30 years, the programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC) have been committed to providing comfort, care and support to children and families in Southern California through a variety of wellness and educational programs.
The Walk for Kids™ is a 5K event to raise funds and awareness for the services and programs provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. The 2014 Walk for Kids Loma Linda will take place on April 6, 2014 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
Join us for a morning of family fun and community solidarity as we walk hand-in-hand to benefit an organization that brings joy, cheer, and respite to children with special needs and their families. Whether you sign on as a walker, a donor, or both, your participation will help bring laughter and hope to some truly special children. There is no fee to register for the Walk for Kids, however a minimum donation of $20 per participant is greatly appreciated. Participants who raise $100 or more will receive a Walk for Kids t-shirt.
Presented by: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Goal: $2.2 million
All money raised directly benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California in our effort to help families with seriously ill children. We hope you encourage your friends and family to join in the Walk for Kids fun. Event day will feature a 5K course for participants, entertainment, sponsor booths filled with food and giveaways from various businesses, and the popular Kids Zone featuring fun interactive games and crafts!
Loma Linda Raised: $198,079
RMH Raised: $1,556,160.71
Top teams: Bass Pro, American Medical Response, Team TIGERS, NSBN, Tom Bell Chevy
Top Fundraisers: Kenneth Scurlock, Derek Hanson, Angela Stover, Bob Minor, Don Jack
Top Fundraiser Awards
We have some special awards that will be presented on the morning of the Walk to recognize outstanding fundraising efforts.
-First Place Fundraising Team*
-First Place McDonald's Team*
-Most Spirited Team
-First Place Fundraising Individual - Adult*
-First Place Fundraising Individual - Youth*
*To be eligible for these awards, donations must be turned in by 5:00pm on Friday, April 4th.
Individual Incentives
All individual fundraising efforts will also be recognized with incentives that can be picked up at registration the day of the Walk.
$100-$299 Walk for Kids T-Shirt$1,000+ Walk for Kids Sweatshirt and T-Shirt
$250-$499 Walk for Kids Sports Bottle and T-Shirt
$500-$999 Walk for Kids Hat and T-Shirt
Why We Walk
On November 30, 2010 we welcomed our son Rhyder into the world. At two weeks old Rhyder began twitching and was taken to St. Bernadine Hospital. A doctor from the NICU contacted Loma Linda University Children's Hospital where Rhyder was immediately transported. After the nurses saw how critical Rhyder was they immediately sent us across the street to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House (LLRMH). We had no clue what a blessing they would turn out to be.
Throughout the days Rhyder got worse. The twitching turned out to be seizures and he ended up becoming brain dead and was put on life support in a matter of days. This was a very hard time for us. On December 31, 2010 we gathered with family to say our final goodbyes and Rhyder passed away.
During this difficult time the LLRMH was there for us every step of the way. They made it possible for us to be there every time the doctors called telling us to get to the hospital ASAP – as we were literally right across the street. The House made it possible for our family to be together at the most crucial times. When our 2 year old daughter Rhylee was at the House with us they made sure she felt at home too.
Since Rhyder’s passing our family has been active in supporting the LLRMH. From coordinating toy drives during the Holidays to preparing a meal every year on Rhyder’s birthday. We do whatever we can to help out the families to show our appreciation for everything that the House did for our family.
This is our 4th year participating in the Walk for Kids with our team, Team Tigers. We walk every year in memory of Rhyder and we are thrilled to be the host family for this year’s walk for kids. We look forward to seeing you there!
Walk for Kids Pizza Party: Take your team to Shakey's after the Walk for a team pizza party. Mention the Walk for Kids and 25% of your bill will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Only valid at Rancho Cucamonga location.
www.walkforkids.org
www.walkforkids.org/lomalinda