Old Town-Orono, ME (April 14, 2008)- This week the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Maine granted the Old Town-Orono YMCA $15,000 for its after-school childcare program. Located at 472 Stillwater Road in Old Town, Maine, the Old Town-Orono YMCA is an organization that promotes strong kids, strong families and strong communities. This money will be used to update and upgrade equipment in the facility’s six after-school classrooms, allowing the Old Town-Orono YMCA to meet state licensing requirements for its after school program.

Rockland, ME (April 9, 2008)- This week the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Maine granted Broadreach Family and Community Services $7,500.00 for its Youthlinks summer program. Located at Rockland, Maine, the Youthlinks summer program has 144 week long spots and serves 72 kids for two weeks of camp each.  Broadreach Family and Community Services, formerly known as Waldo County Preschool & Family Services, is a private, nonprofit agency. Its programs and services have been making a positive difference in the lives of children and families since 1983 through several community programs in Belfast, Rockland and Unity.  This donation will allow them to build upon the successful pilot program to serve more youth, develop new activities and expand community partnerships for the summer.

On August 27, record setting Virginia Beach runner, Tommy Neeson started his 2,300 mile run or 4 million steps from the Bangor, Maine Ronald McDonald House to the Miami, Florida Ronald McDonald House.  Ten years ago, Neeson’s youngest daughter Randi was diagnosed with a large brain tumor a few weeks before her second birthday. In spite of having the best care in the world, Randi lost the battle against the cancer. Although Randi spent many of her last days in a hospital room, the Neeson family was able to spend a lot of that precious time together at the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. This run was accomplished in honor and memory of his daughter, Randi and to increase awareness for Ronald McDonald Houses – so they will be there for other families like his when they need it the most.

"The Ronald McDonald House provides an invaluable service to our patients and their family members," says Richard Petersen, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Maine Medical Center. "When our new building opens in September, those important services will be even closer for families. Having a dedicated Ronald McDonald Family Room in our East Tower will provide a respite where families can regroup and seek support during emotional times. This resource room -- and the caring volunteers inside -- can help families focus their attention on the health and recovery of their loved ones. Maine Medical Center is proud to partner with the Ronald McDonald House to bring this service within the hospital."

Bangor, ME (Nov. 3, 2008 – The Bangor Ronald McDonald House® located at 654 State Street, will celebrate World Children’s Day on Sat., Nov. 8, from 9AM to 3PM. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission fee.

The Queen City Club will provide the program for this fun-filled day that will include children’s games and activities, a bounce house, silent auction, refreshments and more. The loveable McDonald’s® character, Grimace, will make an appearance from 10:00AM to 12:00PM. This World Children’s Day event benefits the Bangor Ronald McDonald House and its programs.

Bangor, ME (April 9, 2008)- This week the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Maine granted the Ronald McDonald House of Bangor $5,000.00 for its new library and resource center. When completed, the library will provide information and activities to support and inform families about their child’s illness while they are staying in the house. Located at 654 State Street in Bangor, Maine, the Ronald McDonald House is open 365 days a year. Their doors are always open, providing a home away from home for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.