Stained Glass window installed today

Michael Pilla installed the first set of three stained glass windows at the House today. What an artist! What a gift to the families, staff and volunteers who see these beautiful windows on a daily basis. Michael's use of clear and white glass, stars and a band of blue representing the Mississippi River forms a dramatic, but calming focal point on the exterior wall of windows. As the light changes during the day, the various colors and shapes also change.

We are so fortunate to have Michael willing to give of his time and talent to make these windows a reality. Thanks also to Andersen Windows who donated the trim kits for installing the windows. Many donors accepted an invitation to make a donation, which was matched dollar for dollar, to fund this project. We look forward to the remaining windows Michael is going to create for the House. Drive by the Oak Street side of the House or stop by and ask to see the new windows.

Through the window - RMHC community events

As part of my job here at RMHC-UM I assist volunteers and organizations with events and fundraisers they hold to benefit us. Last Thursday I attended one of these events. The MENSDEPT salon in Minneapolis held a grand opening party and opened an exhibit of photography featuring today's modern man photographed by David Raccuglia. All proceeds from the photos and party will go towards supporting families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities.

The event was catered by Thyme to Entertain. They donated their services and brought their latest fun cooking technique - wood fired pizza out of the back of a vintage fire truck! Sebastian Joe's also donated ice cream to the event. It was a wonderful event and the photographs by David Raccuglia are amazing. Limited edition prints can be purchased through the MENSDEPT for the next two months.

Thank you to Mike Krivit for attending the event and photographing it on behalf of RMHC-UM!

CLASSIC!

The 20th Annual Golf Classic was yesterday in Dellwood- my first ever Classic experience. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the day far surpassed my expectations. The level of dedication I saw from RMHC-UM staff was truly inspirational, but what really blew me away were the volunteers. So many hands worked together to construct this event. Meredith ran a near impeccable day, Chuck helped make it beautiful, Carynn stacked a formidable volunteer roster, and everyone else filled in wherever and however they could, and when their job was done, they looked around to see who else they could help. Well done all on a very successful Classic.

Why I love to work at RMHC - My Office Window

I know it might seem like an odd reason to love a workplace - my love of my office window. Not only is it great that I actually have an office and not a cubicle, something very rare these days, but I also have windows in my office. They are even better than standard office windows because I can open and close them too, again rare in office settings.

But the real reason I love my office window is that it looks out at the RMH parking lot. Strange, again I know. But you'd be amazed how much activity goes on there and how much you can learn about the families staying here. I get to witness new families arriving and finding their way into our doors. I have watched families take trip after trip from their room with belongings and BINGO prizes as they prepare to return home. But what I like most, is seeing families interact. Earlier this year I watched with amusement as a dad struggled to put together a double stroller for his newborn twins while his toddler sat and giggled at him. It was nice to see him realize his actions were entertaining his daughter, even when he seemed so frustrated. He eventually got the stroller together and let her push it around the parking lot for a test drive. Just tonight my heart was warmed when I watched as a father arrived from home and was greeting by his son, running and jumping into his arms. I don't know how long this family has been apart from each other, but that hug showed me the love between their family. It is a wonderful thing we do here, provide a place for families to be together.

It is for this reason and many more that make it easy to love working at RMHC.