88S30811 CJM-D
 
  By: Price H.R. No. 84
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo is celebrating
  the 40th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and
         WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for the parents of hospitalized
  children to stay close during treatment, the first Ronald McDonald
  House was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974; Ronald
  McDonald House Charities has since established more than 380 Ronald
  McDonald House programs around the world and provides more than
  2.2 million overnight stays each year, saving families some
  $611 million in lodging and meals; it has further expanded its
  services through its Family Rooms on site at hospitals as well as
  its Care Mobile programs, which provide essential medical and
  dental care to underserved communities; and
         WHEREAS, An independent, nonprofit charity, the Ronald
  McDonald House of Amarillo opened its doors in 1983; initially
  seeking to support families from the Texas Panhandle and
  surrounding area, the facility has also served families from nearby
  states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and those from
  as far away as Canada and Australia; and
         WHEREAS, In 2021, the original building was replaced with a
  new, state-of-the-art facility, which encompasses 12 guest suites
  with private bathrooms as well as a communal kitchen, a laundry
  room, and four play areas; families are welcome to stay for the
  length of their child's treatment, at no cost to them, and they can
  rest and recharge at the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the
  pediatric floor of Northwest Texas Healthcare System; they also
  receive help transitioning back to normal life when they return
  home; and
         WHEREAS, In addition to supporting the families residing at
  the house, the staff and volunteers of Ronald McDonald House
  Charities take toys to children at Northwest Texas Healthcare
  System and BSA Hospital; and
         WHEREAS, True to its mission, the Ronald McDonald House of
  Amarillo has made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of
  countless children and their families, and it is indeed a pleasure
  to honor the organization on this special milestone in its history;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 40th
  anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo and extend to
  all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for
  continued success with their important work; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo as an expression
  of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.