Posted by Joni Hart on Mar 29, 2018
Last Tuesday, March 27th, nearly 20 Rotarians representing the Rotary Club of Western Fort Worth changed up their weekly meeting routine.  Instead of the regular Tuesday luncheon and program at Ridglea Country Club, members mobilized to volunteer through the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth’s Meals From the Heart program.  Rotarians purchased groceries, prepared and served lunch to residents of the house, engaging in service, fun and fellowship with one another. 

 
For families of critically ill children, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth is a place to grab a hot meal and catch a few hours of sleep after an all-night bedside vigil. It’s a place for refuge and solace with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, laundry and dining facilities, well-equipped game rooms and outside play areas. The Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth provides a “home-away-from-home” for families, and allows parents and siblings to stay together while remaining close to a child receiving life-saving medical care in area hospitals. Most of all, the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth is a place where families can find comfort and compassion from volunteers, staff and other families faced with similar challenges.  In 2016 947 families stayed at the House for an average of fourteen nights.  The Meals From the Heart program allows groups of volunteers to prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for these residents, easing some of the stress that comes with unexpected – and often lengthy – stays away from home.  It’s a natural fit for Rotarians who embody the concept of Service Above Self.
   
While serving lunch on Tuesday, Western Fort Worth Rotarians made connections with residents of the House who had travelled from other states – even some from other countries – to obtain treatment.  The kids, parents, grandparents and staff members all expressed gratitude for the meal and the smiles and fellowship provided by Rotarian volunteers, and everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship.  The Rotary Club of Western Fort Worth extends the invitation to all local clubs and Rotarians to serve Meals From the Heart again in the future.  For more information, or to express your club’s interest in future opportunities to serve in this way, contact Joni Hart at joni.hart@cancer.org.  Information on the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth and the Meals from the Heart program is available by following these links: