Here's What Happened in 2007:

McFlats Invitational 3rd Annual Snook and Redfish Challenge - This event, organized by Tim Fredric, a McDonald's owner/operator, with Mitch Williamson, Jr. of Screen Prints Plus, raised over $27,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL.

1st Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Rodeo - Our first rodeo, organized by Steve and Amanda Nisbet, and held in Labelle, FL, raised $30,000 for the Charities.

20th Annual Fall Golf Classic - This year's Golf Classic was held at The Club at Twin Eagles in Naples, FL.  Organized by Fred Fredric and Larry Benforado, the event raised over $20,000.

World Children's Day Celebration - Held Nov 16th at the Ronald McDonald House, tours were conducted and participants enjoyed a free McDonald's Breakfast courtesy of our local McDonald's owner/operators.


Here's What's Coming up in 2008:

Volunteer Expo - March 1st - This event is sponsored by the Friendship Volunteer Center and will be held at the Lakes Regional Library from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.  We will meet with individuals from the community and identify volunteer opportunities within the Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL.

3rd Annual Pennies from the Heart Campaign - April 1st through May 3rd.  This campaign, sponsored by the News-Press, Naples Daily News and the Gulf Coast Town Center, will be conducted in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties.  WINK-TV's Lois Thome is the Honorary Chair.  In partnership with FGCU, the athletic students and others will pick up the pennies from area schools and businesses taking part in the campaign.  It combines the power of children with the fun of collecting pennies to bring awareness and raise money to help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL and the Care Mobile of Collier county.  The following events are planned to support this campaign:

FGCU Double Header Basketball Game - March 1st - Ronald McDonald will be in attendance (and available for pictures) at this kick-off event which starts at 5:00 pm at Alico Arena.  FGCU students will pass buckets to collect pennies during halftime, and a raffle will be held.

Pennies from the Heart Kick-off at Gulf Coast Town Center - April 4th - Ronald McDonald and representatives from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of SWFL will attend the 7:00 pm concert by the Pavillion to announce and provide information about the campaign and to collect pennies.

Count Day - May 3rd - Pennies will be counted at the McDonald's Restaurant at Gulf Coast Town Center.  Schools, businesses and other participants will be able to bring their collected donations for a fun-filled day with raffles, prizes and a special guest.

FGCU Baseball Double Header Post Pennies Volunteer Acknowledgement - May 10th - This event will commence at 1:00 pm with Ronald McDonald throwing the first pitch.  FGCU athletic students and others will be recognized for their volunteer efforts in the campaign.

14th Annual Storybook Ball - April 5th - This year's ball will be held at the Sanibel Harbour Resort in Fort Myers.  The theme will be Disney Pixar's "Cars".  Approximately 350 individuals will attend this black tie event which includes dinner, dancing, silent and live auction.  Our goal in 2008 is to raise more than $100,000.


Additional Upcoming Events (dates to be determined):

McFlats Invitational 4th Annual Snook and Redfish Challenge

2nd Annual RMHC Rodeo

21st Annual Fall Golf Classic

World Children's Day

For more information on any of these events, please call (239)437-0202.