Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska?
Who owns and operates the Seattle Ronald McDonald House?
Who runs the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald House?
How is your organization funded?
Does McDonald’s Corporation subsidize the House?
How much does it cost to run the Ronald McDonald Houses?
Can families receive mail or packages at the House?
I want to stay at one of the Houses. What do I need to know?
What is Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska?
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Western Washington & Alaska is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization and a chapter of the global RMHC. Our Houses are located in Seattle and Anchorage, and each provides a caring home away from home for families of seriously ill children. RMHC extends its reach at the Alaska Native Medical Center by also providing van transportation to families staying in Anchorage while their children receive treatment.
Who owns and operates the Seattle Ronald McDonald House?
The House is owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska and is governed by a local Board of Directors.
Who runs the Seattle and Anchorage Ronald McDonald House?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska has a paid staff that runs the day-to-day operations of both the Seattle and Anchorage Houses. The Anchorage House is on the campus of the Alaska Native Medical Center and they provide day to day oversight. Both Houses are also supported by volunteers.
How many Ronald McDonald Houses are there?
Currently, there are more than 350 Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the United States. All operate under licensing guidelines from the global Ronald McDonald House Charities. However, each Ronald McDonald House is independently operated.
How is your organization funded?
By generous supporters like you! About 75% of our operating funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. It costs about $4.4 million annually to operate RMHC of Western Washington & Alaska. The majority of that amount is raised through individual and corporate donations. These include the Share-A-Night program, RMHC-sponsored and other fundraising events, grants, will bequests, property and goods donations.
Does McDonald’s Corporation subsidize the House?
Local McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators, customers, and the McDonald’s Corporation fund 22 percent of our annual operating costs. This funding includes in-store canister donations and newspaper sales, promotions and annual gifts from McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators.
How much does it cost to run the Ronald McDonald Houses?
RMHC of Western Washington & Alaska has a $4.4 million operating budget. This is used for maintaining and operating the Ronald McDonald Houses every day of the year.
Can families receive mail or packages at the House?
Yes. All mail and packages should be addressed to your room as follows:
For Seattle: Your child’s name (patient) and Building/Room Number, Ronald McDonald House, 5130 40th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105. Mail is delivered Monday-Friday.
For Anchorage: Your child’s name (patient), Ronald McDonald House at ANMC, 4001 Tudor Centre Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.
I want to stay at one of the Houses. What do I need to know?
Please read through our How to Stay and Guest Q&A pages for more information.
