A MESSAGE FROM RMHC INW PRESIDENT-ELECT, SCOTT GINGRAS:
The month of April is not only the time to celebrate those early signs of spring but also the time of year that we celebrate those very special people in our lives called volunteers - as April is officially National Volunteer Month. At the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest, we recognize that we could never fulfill our important mission of providing temporary lodging and emotional support, at no charge, for families of children accessing medical services, without the time, talents, and dedicated efforts of our many volunteers, both past and present. If you are one of those amazing volunteers reading this, on behalf of the current Board of Directors of the RMHC, we truly say thank you! Please know that we appreciate all that you do and have done for our organization and guests. Together, we are helping to keep families close. 

Please note that on April 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the Historic Davenport Hotel, we will be recognizing and expressing our sincere gratitude to some of our original volunteers through our Legacy Luncheon. The Legacy Luncheon is our annual recognition event, which honors community members who have made significant contributions to our very important mission. 

Lastly, I leave you with an inspirational quote that I have always really enjoyed: “It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.” One of the parts of my life that helps me truly enjoy my own journey is my rewarding service on the Board of the RMHC. So, if you are not one of our current volunteers but have the desire, financial resources, or just time to help out and give back, we kindly ask that you volunteer and make our incredible organization part of your journey. Know that volunteers and volunteering come in all different shapes, sizes, ages, types, talents, time, manners, and methods, and that all such volunteer “gifts” are welcome. On our website, under the Volunteer tab, we have a list of volunteer opportunities and information, along with a volunteer request contact form you can submit to us electronically. If interested, you can also reach out by calling our Spokane or Idaho Houses at any time and inquire about volunteer opportunities. Please know your volunteer time and efforts at the RMHC will matter in the end to many people. 

Once again, thank you to all of our wonderful former and current volunteers; you are the heart and hands of our Houses.        
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES:
INLANDER'S 2023 BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION!
WE DID IT! WE are the best! Thank you to all who voted!
THANK YOU MCDONALD'S!
Thank you to McDonald's and all those who enjoyed a Shamrock Shake or Oreo McFlurry this season! We are so thankful for this contribution, and we can't wait until next year!
LEADERSHIP SPOKANE DONATION DRIVE
Leadership Spokane hosted a supply drive, with the support of Windermere Spokane and KHQ, this past weekend. Community members flocked to the Spokane North House, dropping off thousands of dollars worth of supplies like toilet paper, snacks, cleaning supplies, and household items for families to utilize during their stay.

These donations will support families well into the summer in helping create a "Home-Away-From-Home!"
DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO MAKE IT TO THE SUPPLY DRIVE?
You can help us provide a happy and healthy home by donating items from our House Wish List.
RAISE LOVE:
Raise Love has been and continues to be a huge success. So far, thousands of dollars and items have been brought in. Some recent successes: North Central Basketball Tourney, Walgreens, Walmart, Mackenzie River, Leadership Spokane, and so many more.

Please reach out to Kaitlin at kcole@rmhcinlandnw.org if you have ideas!
APRIL EVENTS:
April 12 Historic Davenport Hotel
The Legacy Luncheon is an opportunity to recognize RMHC INW and community members who make significant contributions to our mission of keeping families close.
April 17-29 Flamingo Flocking
The Flock has flown in and is landing in yards around Spokane from April 17 - 29!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH:
VOLUNTEER WEEK April 17-23
Sign-up to volunteer here and be part of the 120,000 volunteers that support local Spokane organizations!
SPOKANE GIVES
RMHC INW was chosen as a recipient of a Spokane Gives Mini-Grant to support volunteer efforts! Thank you to Spokane United Way, STCU, and the City of Spokane.
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!
Thank you to all of our volunteers who help make RMHC INW a "Home-Away-From-Home!" We are so thankful for all of your hard work and contributions!
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: MIKE
What is your favorite part of volunteering with RMHC INW?
Camaraderie. Everybody here is pleasant, and it is a cool place to work!
Why did you start volunteering at RMHC INW?
I wanted to put my experience to use for a good cause.
What are your hobbies?
"Future" rock guitarist, private pilot, "certified" TikTok & Youtube user!
A fun fact about yourself!
My hometown is Jim Thorpe, PA formerly called Mauch Chunk, PA.
FAMILY SERVICES IMPACT:
KNOW A TEEN WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE TEEN BOARD?
Teen Board applications are open NOW until April 30th. Know a high school student looking for a volunteer opportunity? Encourage them to apply to the RMHC INW Teen Board!
STAFF UPDATES:

STAFF HIGHLIGHT:
ALLIE SIMS, FAMILY SERVICE COORDINATOR
 What is your favorite part of working at RMHC INW?
My favorite part about working at RMHC is connecting with the families! I have met people with different stories and journeys, and it is so rewarding to be a part of their lives. I have met some of the greatest people working here! Also, I love to see cute small babies!
Why did you start working at RMHC INW?
I started volunteering here in 2021 and immediately fell in love. Being in the house and helping in all areas really makes you feel a part of something so big and special! When I saw the job listing, I knew I had to jump on it and be part of our incredible mission. I also have a background in child development with an emphasis on health and life so it has been a perfect fit for me to help support families while they have a child in the hospital.
 What do you do in your free time?
I am completing my master’s degree in Child Life to one day work in a hospital as a Certified Child Life Specialist so the school has been my main hobby! But I love all things girly from hair and nails to skincare! I also love to bake and cook with my family! I love being outside and watching cheesy TV shows!
Fun facts about yourself!
My birthday is April 6th and my Supervisor Emily’s Birthday is April 7th. We have worked together for over 9 months now and just learned this about each other! We were shocked and embarrassed! Also, I am the tallest Family Service Coordinator on the Spokane campus!
CONGRATS TO THE EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER:
KRISTIE VERMILLION, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Thank you for being such a vital member of our RMHC INW team!
WELCOME NEW STAFF:

Trudy Hughes, Accounting Assistant
CONGRATS ALEXA SHAW ON HER PROMOTION:

Alexa Shaw was promoted to Family Services Supervisor for the Spokane Campus.
CONGRATS EMMA HAYES ON HER PROMOTION:

Emma Hayes was promoted to Operations Director.
CONGRATS EMILY ANDREWS ON HER PROMOTION:

Emily Andrews was promoted to Program Director.
LET'S BE SOCIAL!