WALK FOR KIDS RETURNS TO COACHELLA VALLEY

RESIDENTS LACE UP TO KEEP FAMILIES CLOSE TO THEIR CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN

Join KESQ Morning News Anchor Bianca Rae for the Second Annual Fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California

This March members from the Coachella Valley communities are lacing up to support the annual Walk for Kids, a non-competitive walk event that raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California® (RMHCSC) and its life changing programs benefiting families with critically-ill children. Bianca Rae of KESQ morning news team will serve as the mistress of ceremonies at the March 13th event at La Quinta Civic Center Park. The family-friendly event is happening across Southern California all for the same goal, to help families of critically ill and injured children. To participate in the walk, individuals and groups are encouraged to register and donate at www.walkforkids.org<http://www.walkforkids.org>/lomalinda.

In the Coachella Valley, families with children requiring serious medical treatment have often turned to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, a program of RMHCSC. Approximately 45 percent of the Riverside County families who stay at the Loma Linda House travel from the Coachella Valley. The Loma Linda House has served more than 20,000 families since opening in 1996 and is currently undergoing a major expansion to more than double the size of the House. The project will add an additional 33 rooms to the current 21, expand the kitchen and other common areas and is expected to be completed by September 11th, just in time for the program’s 20th anniversary.

“Over the years we’ve seen Walk for Kids evolve into a powerful, community-driven effort that supports families when they need it most,” said Mike Kovack, executive director, Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House. “Last year, nearly 23,000 participants gathered for walk events across Southern California. This year, we’re thrilled to be able to bring the fun and excitement back to the Coachella Valley for the second annual Walk for Kids.”

The Coachella Valley Walk for Kids event kicks off a series of walk events that will happen across Southern California. Registered participants will enjoy a non-competitive walk through beautiful La Quinta Civic Center Park, sponsor booths, kid’s zone activities and meet Ronald McDonald himself. Participants must register online at www.walkforkids.org/lomalinda. Residents who are unable to attend the event are invited to make a donation online.

The Chapter’s Mission Partner McDonald’s is also offering walkers a fun way to support the event through its annual Shoe Sale campaign in restaurants. From March 21st – April 8th, McDonald’s customers in Southern California can purchase a “Big Red Shoe” for $1 to support Walk for Kids at participating restaurant locations. The iconic paper shoes are displayed with the donor’s name inside the restaurants. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Shoe Sales will directly benefit RMHCSC and its programs.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California

For more than 35 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC) has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families across Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. RMHCSC helps families with critically-ill children stay together, connecting them with others facing similar challenges through its six Ronald McDonald Houses® in Bakersfield, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange and Pasadena and two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®. One of the few chapters to operate a cost-free, medically supervised Camp Ronald McDonald For Good Times®, RMHCSC helps children with cancer and their siblings rediscover childhood and develop the self-esteem and self-efficacy often lost as a result of the disease. The organization also provides funding through its Community Grants Board to deserving non-profits that improve the lives of children and funds four college scholarship programs that help exemplary high school students pursue the education of their dreams. More information about RMHCSC and its programs can be found at www.rmhcsc.org.