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Living and Giving: Ronald McDonald House burns mortgage during anniversary weekend

Larry Vinyard, left, chairman of the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chattanooga, lights the mortgage at the Sunday afternoon conclusion of the anniversary weekend. With him are, from left, Ronald McDonald, Wynelle Patrick and Henry Hoss. Jane Kaylor, RMHC executive director, looks on at right.
Larry Vinyard, left, chairman of the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chattanooga, lights the mortgage at the Sunday afternoon conclusion of the anniversary weekend. With him are, from left, Ronald McDonald, Wynelle Patrick and Henry Hoss. Jane Kaylor, RMHC executive director, looks on at right. Larry Vinyard, left, chairman of the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chattanooga, lights the mortgage at the Sunday afternoon conclusion of the anniversary weekend. With him are, from left, Ronald McDonald, Wynelle Patrick and Henry Hoss. Jane Kaylor, RMHC executive director, looks on at right.

By Susan Pierce 1 min read

What: A weekend of events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House culminated with the burning of the house’s $170,000 mortgage, the balance of its original $2 million loan.

Three events were held during a 25-hour time- frame. The celebration began with a brunch on Saturday morning honoring 200 house volunteers. That night, 800 guests attended the Red-Hot Red-Striped Gala in the Chattanooga Convention Center with dancing to the Malemen Show Band. Jimmy Murray, co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House, was the featured speaker at the dinner-dance.

The celebration closed Sunday afternoon with a birthday party complete with birthday cake and Ronald McDonald, and a reunion of families who have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. More than 400 supporters of the house attended.