SPRINGFIELD– The Ronald McDonald House of Springfield will be hosting its 28th Annual Gala on April 6. The gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Springfield house, which is part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut in Western Massachusetts.

"We survive solely on philanthropy," said Executive Director Michelle D'Amore "Fundraising keeps the lights on. [It] keeps the quality of care where needs to be." Caring for people is what the Ronald McDonald House Charities is all about.

The house at 34 Chapin Ter. was built in 1991 to be what D’Amore called, “a home away from home” for the families of those children who were being treated at the surrounding hospitals. The house is adjacent to Baystate Medical Center and about four blocks from Shriner’s Hospital.

“Shriner’s specializes in orthopedics and runs clinics in other countries,” Rosemarie Zello, the development manager, explained. Some of those patients then come to Springfield for additional care and the families stay at the house. The house is used by patients at other area hospitals, as well.

Consisting of three floors, the house has 21 rooms in which families can stay. Each of the rooms has two beds since the occupants are usually one or both parents and their child. Most of the bedrooms are on the top floor, although there are a few rooms on the first floor to accommodate those in wheelchairs.

"In 1991, no one took the ADA into account," said D'Amore of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The house has undergone renovations and is now accessible.

The communal areas include a large, open living room on the first floor and a kitchen with three individual stations that feature a microwave and a stove with which to cook. There are refrigerators and freezers, and each family has a cabinet for dry foods. The basement houses a tv room, a playroom for the kids and laundry facilities that are free of charge. There is even an outdoor play area with jungle gym equipment.

Families usually stay for an average of four months, however, stays range from a few days to upwards of a year. The criteria for staying at the house is only that a child under the age of 21 is in the care of a medical professional in the area, either outpatient or inpatient. There are no financial requirements.

"Unfortunately, we are one of the best-kept secrets in the area," said Zello.

Despite that, D’Amore said that the house has served over 12,500 families since it opened its doors. It is one of more than 300 houses that have opened nationwide since 1974.

The cost of operating the Ronald McDonald House is approximately $121 per night per family. While they request a $15 donation per night, they do not turn anyone away for inability to pay.

The Springfield house’s average annual operating budget is $800,000. The house is paid for by corporate sponsors and individual donations, but the gala, which raises $85,000 to $125,000 each year represents the most substantial portion of their fundraising.

In past years, the gala has been held at Chez Josef, in Agawam, and at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, but the gala outgrew those spaces. This is the first year the gala will be held at the MGM Casino in downtown Springfield. Zello said they are expecting about 400 people.

"MGM has been a great partner in helping us," said D'Amore. The charity approached the casino about hosting the gala approximately a year ago.

"I really want to thank Beth Thurber and Cathy McCarron for all their work," D'Amore said of co-chairs. The chairs work with a committee, whose members: Zello, Mark Ashe, Diane Brunelle, Nancy Connor, Jerry Houle, Nancy Mariano, Thia Ploubides, and Carla Santia, work year-round planning each gala.

This year’s Honorary Chair is William Wagner, Chief Business Development Officer of Westfield Bank. The Honorary Chair assists in raising money for the gala and is someone who has an ongoing affiliation with the house. D'Amore said Wagner is heavily involved in the community and the bank is a sponsor of the house.

The black-tie-optional gala, which is being held in the Aria Ballroom of the casino will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. In addition to dinner and drinks, there will be music and dancing, a silent auction, and a raffle.

The featured entertainment will be a live performance by illusionist, Mike Super, who was a finalist on season nine of America’s Got Talent and the winner of the NBC series, Phenomenon.

"Mike Super lends something to the experience of being at the MGM," said D'Amore.

Tickets cost $150 per person and all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/RMH2019Gala or over the phone by calling 794-5683.

D’Amore said that, aside from the gala or cash donations, there are other giving opportunities, such as volunteering. There are often opportunities to answer phones, register guests, or prepare meals for the families.

"We are here to help,” D'Amore said. “For a family to be close to their child, or with their child, really helps with the healing of the kids."