Toy Industry Foundation Hosts “Windy” Morning of Fun
and Games with Patients at Ronald McDonald House near University of
Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital
 July 20, 2010 | Representatives of the Toy Industry
Foundation and 25 pediatric cancer patients and their families staying
at Ronald McDonald House near University of Chicago Comer
Children’s Hospital The children, along with their
siblings and parents, decorated wind chimes, designed wind socks and
enjoyed a pizza and cupcake lunch. Also in attendance was Senator Kwame
Raoul who was joined by Kimberly Walz, District Director for Congressman
Mike Quigley; Thyatiria Townes, District Programs Coordinator for
Congressman Bobby Rush; and Beth Penesis, Intergovernmental Affairs
Liaison, from Governor Pat Quinn’s office. And whether attendees
were Illinois natives or traveled to stay at the House, everyone left
with Chicago sports team plush.
“One of the patients was on his way to receive chemotherapy
that afternoon and he was able to stop by the activity room for only a
minute to join us,” said Amanda McDorman, Foundation Manager.
“He asked if he could take one of the soft White Sox balls with
him to the hospital. This wasn’t his first treatment; he knew what
to expect and he knew that having that toy to hold on to would help.
Being able to provide that comfort is what the Play
HealsTM program is all
about.”
“Thank you for working with our House here in Chicago to
provide toys and enjoyment to the families,” said Gabe Ottolini,
Manager of Development at Ronald McDonald House Charities headquarters.
“We certainly appreciate your partnership and look forward to many
more great events.”
 The
children received toys generously donated by leading toy
companies Good
Stuff Company, Hasbro, Oriental Trading
Company, and Thames and Kosmos.
The Ronald
McDonald House near University of Chicago Comer Children's
Hospital opened its doors on September 13, 1986 as the second
House in Chicago. The staff and volunteers of this 22 bedroom House have
welcomed more than 7,700 families from across the world over the past
20+ years, half of whom have returned to stay at the House many times,
totaling almost 15,000 visits. In 2007, the House was re-located &
re-built to better serve its families.
The Toy Industry Foundation’s mission is to bring joy, comfort,
and learning to children in need through toys and play. While other
organizations provide food, shelter and support services to children and
their families, TIF sees to it that these children have toys and
opportunities to play in an attempt to restore both fun and a sense of
normalcy to their lives.
Photos by David Czuba
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