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WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 in the heart of Shadyside to provide a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals; and
WHEREAS, the first Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House contains 16 private bedrooms, while fostering support networks among guest families with open, shared spaces including dining areas, kitchens, laundry facilities, living rooms, play rooms, porches and a yard; and
WHEREAS, the second Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House, located in the house next door to the original, was purchased and renovated in 1992 to meet the needs of families requiring longer term lodging and houses 8 apartments, each equipped with a kitchen and dining/living room, as well as the resident and weekend manager's apartment; and
WHEREAS, over the last 25 years, the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh has served more than 10,000 families for a modest $11 per night for a room and $20 per night for an apartment, although no family has ever been turned away from the House because of inability of pay; and
WHEREAS, because the lodging revenue that the House receives accounts for only 20% of the revenue needed to maintain it, the Ronald McDonald House has relied on generous community support to continue serving families at low or no cost; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House will kick off a weekend of activities to commemorate the organization's 25th year beginning at a reception to honor loyal supporters on Friday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. and continuing with a Community Fair on Saturday, July 10 from 10:00 until 3:00 p.m., all activities taking place at the House located at 500 Shady Avenue.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends and salutes the Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House for effectively providing a home away from home to families with seriously ill children in Pittsburgh's East End for the past 25 years.