2024Annual Report Message
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude and pride for the milestones weachieved together. This past year marked a momentous occasion for Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities of Kentuckiana—our 40th anniversary.Throughout the year, we honored the visionaries who brought our Ronald McDonaldHouse to life in 1984, including founders Dr. Sal Bertolone, Jef Conner, and HuntRounsavall. Their dedication and compassion have touched the lives of tens ofthousands of family members of seriously ill or injured children. Within this report,you’ll find a heartwarming story of our “first family”—a testament to the legacy ofcare and hope that continues today.In 2024, thanks to your unwavering support, we achieved remarkable milestones:None of this would be possible without you—our community of volunteers, donors,board members, and pediatric medical partners. Your generosity and dedication fuelour mission and ensure families can stay close to the care their children need.As we look ahead to the next 40 years, we are inspired to reach even greater heights.We aim to serve more families in innovative ways, foster deeper connections with ourcommunity, and continue to provide access to the healthcare every child deserves.Together, we can achieve so much more, and we are excited for the journey ahead.On behalf of every family you’ve supported, thank you. Your dedication makes all thedifference.With heartfelt gratitude,Celebrating 40 years of impact: We paid tribute to the founders andcountless supporters who made our House a reality, ensuring families ofseriously ill or injured children have a place of hope and healing.Serving more families than ever before: With 56 guestrooms, wesupported more families in 2024 than in any year of our history, growingalongside Louisville’s pediatric medical community.Expanding care and support: We enhanced our programs and services,deepening the care and comfort we provide to families during their mostchallenging times.To our valued supporters,Hal HedleyChief Executive OfficerSam CastleBoard President
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPRESIDENT – Sam Castle, Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Financial PartnersIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – John Bischoff, Community VolunteerVICE PRESIDENT – Bru Peter, Owner/Operator, McDonald’sVICE PRESIDENT – London Roth, Chief of Staff to President, Enterprise Growth, HumanaTREASURER – Jon Magrum, Director, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLCSECRETARY – Matt Multerer, Director of Strategy & Investments, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits BOARD MEMBERSSal Bertolone, M.D. – RMHCK FounderKristin Carter – Director, Digital Assurance and Transparency, PwCAdam Clark – Senior Field Marketing Manager, Suntory Global SpiritsArt Davenport – Community VolunteerMatt Dodd – Owner/Operator, McDonald’sTodd Getz – Executive Brand Director, GE Appliances – a Haier CompanyKara Hamilton – Senior Marketing Manager, GeoBlueKathy Lamb – Facility Vice President Operations, Norton Children’s HospitalMichael Meagher – Vice President of Gaming Operations, Churchill Downs, Inc.Melissa Merrifield – Senior Vice President/Chief Human Resources Officer, Hosparus HealthJessica Murr – Community VolunteerShelley Perrone – Community VolunteerFelix Sharpe – Counsel, HumanaLarry Smith – Global Enterprise Partner, ERA GroupTiffany Stout – Licensed Realtor, White Picket Real EstateAndre Zdanow – Executive Director, Small Appliances and FirstBuild, GE Appliances2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Salls family volunteeringto cook meals for RMHCK familiesAn RMHCK familycelebrating HalloweenJef Conner and Hunt Rounsavallat the founders’ plaque unveiling
In May 1981, Jef Conner and Hunt Rounsavall’s world changedwhen their newborn daughter, Christine, was diagnosedwith pediatric cancer.Facing an uncertain future, they stayed by her side in the hospital, supported by friends and strangers.Amid their struggle, a friend shared a Reader’s Digest article, “The House That Love Built,” about the RonaldMcDonald House in Philadelphia, a place where families could stay close to their hospitalized children.Inspired, Jef wrote to Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s, and received a $12,500 donation—the first steptoward a vision that would transform tens of thousands of lives.What followed was an outpouring of community support, led by Jef, Hunt, and Dr. Sal Bertolone,Christine’s oncologist and a driving force behind securing a home for Ronald McDonald HouseCharities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK).In 1984, RMHCK opened its doors, built on a foundation of compassion, resilience, and unwaveringcommunity support.Decades later, RMHCK stands as a testament to Jef's, Hunt's, and Dr. Bertolone's vision, and thededication of our entire community. Every volunteer, donor, and supporter plays a role in carryingforward this legacy, ensuring families continue to find comfort, community, and hope whenthey need it most.FAMILY STORYThe firstJef Conner, Hunt Rounsavall,Dr. Sal Bertolone, and Christine MuellerTogether, they rallied volunteers, local leaders, and businesses tofundraise and transform an abandoned medical school buildinginto a haven for families.
Left page:Christine and Jef, ca. 1983Right page, clockwise from top left:The article that started it all; Jef and Huntat groundbreaking, ca. 1982; Christine asa baby, 1982; the ribbon cutting in 1984
Thank youThank you to our volunteers and donors for your time, talents, andfinancial support. Your generosity provides a home away from homefor families and allows them to focus on the needs of their children.We couldn’t take care of families when they need it most without you!A SINCEREThank you$3.3 millionSAVED BY FAMILIES365 NightsLONGEST STAYFARTHEST DISTANCETRAVELED7,369 miles1,229FAMILIES SERVEDAVERAGE LENGTHOF STAY7.8 NightsRMHCK NIGHTLYCOST PER FAMILY$13815,804NIGHTS PROVIDEDRonald McDonald House®Ronald McDonald House VolunteersHOUSE VOLUNTEERS121SERVICEGROUPS588VOLUNTEERHOURS15,480MEALSSERVED32,760ACTIVITIES OFFERED320Ronald McDonaldFamily Room Programs®NIGHTS PROVIDED821VOLUNTEERS28VOLUNTEER HOURS1,302FAMILIES SERVED246
BREAKING BARRIERS IN ACCESS TO CARERMHCK provided 16,625 nights of lodgingto 1,475 families, saving them a staggering$3.4 million in costs—ensuring no familyfaced their child’s medical journey alone.UNPRECEDENTED VOLUNTEERENGAGEMENTA record-breaking 16,860 volunteer hoursfueled our mission, proving that compassiondrives change.PROVIDING A LIFELINE FOR FAMILIESIN CRISIS Thanks to generous donors and volunteers,we expanded support services, offeringfamilies more resources, activities, andemotional comfort than ever before.CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF KEEPINGFAMILIES TOGETHERWe marked this milestone with a celebrationbreakfast, open house, and plaqueunveiling, honoring the founders, donors,and volunteers who built RMHCK’s lastinglegacy.HIGHLIGHTS2024RMHCK location8926222Kentucky countiesIndiana countiesOther statesForeign countriesFAMILIES TRAVELED FROM:UNAUDITED REVENUES: $4,099,857.28UNAUDITED EXPENSES: $3,536,902.99
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE®Within walking distance of Louisville’sdowntown hospitals, Louisville’sRonald McDonald House has 56guestrooms staffed 24 hours a day, 365days a year. Our private guestrooms,comfortable living rooms, vibrant playareas, and stocked kitchens offer ahome away from home for families ofseriously ill or injured children.RONALD MCDONALDFAMILY ROOM PROGRAMS®With the help of our medical partners,Ronald McDonald Family RoomPrograms provide dedicated roomsinside hospitals to ensure families havea quiet place to rest only steps fromtheir children. Family Rooms can befound at Norton Children’s Hospital,UofL Health’s Frazier Rehab Institute,and Norton Women’s and Children’sHospital. Amenities vary at eachfacility, but can include sleep rooms,restrooms with showers, laundryfacilities, comfortable living rooms,and stocked kitchens.HOSPITALITY CARTWith snacks, beverages, small toys,and fun activities, our two HospitalityCarts help fill an empty stomach orbring a smile directly to childrenand their families at the Novak Centerfor Children’s Health.Visit rmhck.org for waysyou can support RMHCK. 550 S 1st St, Louisville, KY 40202502.581.1416OUR PROGRAMSGet Involved