Article from Vehicle Exchange Program and News from Cabe Toyota

In 2011, participants and sponsors helped raise more than $1.25 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California and its programs in Long Beach, Loma Linda, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Orange County, Bakersfield and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. Our Long Beach Ronald McDonald House will be open in December 2011. Today, it is part of a worldwide network of over 300 Ronald McDonald Houses in 30 countries.

Every parent’s worst fear is discovering that their child has a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, families face emotional distress, financial strains and many other devastating consequences. In addition to attending to the complicated medical needs of their children, families struggle to remain together, maintain their jobs, care for other children or family members, and keep up with medical expenses.

Our Long Beach Ronald McDonald House was created as a way of alleviating at least a small part of the challenges faced by families by providing housing for them while their child is receiving medical care. The House provides 23 comfortable rooms each with its own private bathroom, home-cooked meals, outdoor play area, computers with high-speed internet access, complimentary laundry services and much more. In addition, there are opportunities for fellowship with other families going through similar challenges.

The upcoming 2012 Walk for Kids at Shoreline Park will feature a great 5K course for participants who will enjoy walking the shoreline of Long Beach, live music and entertainment, a “Walker Village” with booths including food and giveaways from various businesses, quality premium coffee from McDonald’s, and the popular “Kid’s Zone” featuring fun interactive games.