Ronald McDonald House of Rochester receives $3.3 million grant
The Ronald McDonald House of Rochester is now less than $1 million away from funding its $16.5 million, 28-room expansion project.
The organization announced Monday it has received a $3.3 million grant from the biopharmaceutical company AbbVie.
The gift is part of a larger $100 million donation from Illinois-based AbbVie that will assist 32 chapters across the country undergoing capital campaigns.
"This gift is significant, not only for our House, but for many Houses across the country,” said Peggy Elliott, executive director of the Rochester location.
The announcement said the contribution is the largest ever awarded by AbbVie. It's also the highest amount received by the the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the biggest grant to come into Rochester.
Work is already under way to expand its Second Street house, near St. Marys Hospital. The expansion will give the Rochester location a total of 70 rooms — making it the largest Ronald McDonald House in the state of Minnesota. The addition will also include a small indoor gym, indoor and outdoor play areas, underground parking and green space.
With the gift from AbbVie, the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester is now within $1 million from its capital campaign goal. Already, the local house has received more than 1,000 gifts to date, led by six of $1 million or more.
“When we say each gift, each dollar is important and significant, it’s true,” said Elliot. “Our House was selected to receive a grant because of the tremendous support already received from the community on the project. We can’t begin to thank everyone who has supported our project thus far and who paved the way for this grant to happen.”
Cover rendering courtesy Ronald McDonald House of Rochester
