Getting to Know Eleanor Reigel Chief Executive Officer, RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown

How long have you been at the Charity? Since March 2011    What makes the Ronald McDonald House Special? Our staff and volunteers who make all the difference for the families we comfort.   What is the best advice you ever received? Hold true to your values.   What are your hobbies and interests? Quilting/sewing; cooking; reading, hiking and cycling.   What is one defining moment in your life? When my son was diagnosed with Leukemia. Although, the journey was challenging, I learned very quickly life is precious and can be very short. Additionally, the experience taught me many things… how a two year old child shows strength by overcoming difficult treatment/procedures; my support system is STRONG, my own resilience and my calling to help others beyond expectations.   Who has inspired you? My father. He has overcome many obstacles in life by working hard and sharing his passion for living life to the fullest. By doing so, my Father has been a great role model for me, my siblings and grandchildren. He has been a successful businessman, works within his community to help others in need, is an explorer and loves adventure and most importantly is an absolutely wonderful “DAD”.    What is your favorite quote? “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it is all small stuff.” Richard Carlson, PhD   This/That Art Museum/History Museum – History Museum Coffee/Tea – Both Smartphone/ Tablet – Tablet Fiction/Non-fiction – Both Mountains/Beaches – Both, Prefer Mountains Cooking/Being Cooked For – Cooking

Keeping Families Together

We make a difference! Support comes in many forms at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown and we are grateful for the impact you make. Look at what you made possible in the first six months of 2022! Because of you, we were there for families on many levels.

Reasons to Smile

As we celebrate World Gratitude Day this month, we recognize some of the many reasons we are grateful at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown……

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation continues its support of our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program. Because of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and other supporters, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is able to provide free pediatric medical care to children in underserved communities across the Greater Pittsburgh region!

Each month, our wonderful friends at Consumer Fresh Produce make a special delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables for the families at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Each family receives their own box of produce filled with a variety of delicious options.

RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown was grateful to participate in the Pittsburgh Foundation's #OneDay Critical Needs Alert Day of Giving! Donations made on this day supported the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, totaling over $11,000.

A variety of community fundraisers benefitting the Charity were held throughout the summer. We are thankful to Hoagy’s Heroes who hosted Up & Smoke Ride to Eat and BBQ Contest, the Western Pennsylvania High School Figure Skating Team who held Skating Around the World and Skyward Aviation who organized FlightFEST 2022. Collectively, they raised more than $10,000. The Projects of Passion (P.O.P.) program is a great way to use your talents and interests to support families at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown.

WVU and Pitt fans rallied for the families at the Ronald McDonald House with their own competition during the Backyard Brawl, raising over $4,300. We want to give a special thanks to our friends at Alliance 412, Country Roads Trust and the participating Primanti Bros. locations for embracing the challenge and inspiring everyone to come together in support of the families!

RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown received a grant award from the George Bowers Family Charitable Trust and the Sisters Health Foundation for the Family Lodging Fund to support West Virginia families utilizing our services.

Bringing the Comforts of Home to RMHC

The meal program at RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown provides much-needed support to families who are away from home to get medical care for their children, and often do not have the time or funds to prepare a healthy meal. As our occupancy ramps up, the Meal Fund continues to be a priority focus for us. Ensuring that there is at least one hot meal each day as well as a fully-stocked pantry and plenty of “Grab n Go” snack bags is really important. We are thankful to everyone who supports the program by donating meals through local restaurants or giving directly to our meal fund. Your gift gives families more time to be together and eases the financial burden of being away from home.

Sacks for Kids Kicks Off Eighth Year

Football season has kicked off and so has the Sacks for Kids Program benefitting RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown! And that means for every sack the Pittsburgh Steelers make this season, Bordas & Bordas will donate $500 to the RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Since the program’s inception, $222,000 has been raised, providing more than 2,300 nights of stay for families traveling for their child’s medical care. “We are so fortunate to have the support of Bordas & Bordas,” said Eleanor Reigel, CEO RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. “They have helped thousands of families over the years find comfort they need staying at our Charity.”

Walgreens Gives Back

Thank you to Walgreens for choosing our Charity to be part of the myWalgreens donation program! The program allows you to donate your myWalgreens cash rewards now through November 1. At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. It’s that easy. Whether you’d like to contribute $1, $5, or more of your Walgreens Cash rewards you’ll be making a big difference. It really adds up!

Red Shoe Ball

Saturday, November 5 Nova Place Filled with international flare, flavors and experiences, the Red Shoe Ball will celebrate the mission and families of RMHC Pittsburgh and Morgantown. Thank you to our many mission partners and Red Shoe Ball partners who give our families a place to call home by supporting this special event. Presenting Mission Partner Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association Foundation Mission Partners 84 Lumber Advanced Heating and Cooling Nathan and Kara Agens Allegheny Financial Group Armada Giaquinto Family Heckla Family Keurig Dr Pepper Lamar Advertising Max Construction NET Xperts LLC PNC Dan and Jessica Potetz Smithfield Foods UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh WVU Medicine Children’s Red Shoe Ball Partners Allstate Company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty and Northwood Charitable Foundation Foremost Insurance Hanover Insurance Group Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield McDonald’s Columbus Field Office National General Pittsburgh Pirates Travelers Insurance

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