Who We Are

A Message From Our President

We Embark on an Enhanced Mission

It’s official! We’re excited to announce our organization is now Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa. Our cornerstone and namesake program, the Iowa City Ronald McDonald House, remains exactly the same as it’s been for the past twenty-two years. Our mailing address, phone, location and almost everything else continues to be the same.

What is new? The House will now have access to funds generated by Eastern Iowa McDonald’s restaurants, as well as matching grants from our international parent organization, RMHC – Global, plus select national promotions for RMHC Chapters. These funds enable us to broaden our mission in making a genuine difference in the lives of the families we serve - without any adverse consequences for the Iowa City Ronald McDonald House.

The “Charities” designation means that in addition to operating the House, our board will make grants to improve the health, well-being, and education for area children and youth. Specifically, we’ll make grants to qualified area non-profits working for the benefit of children and award scholarships to talented, deserving youth for the purpose of continuing their education.

During the next year, our board and staff will develop policies and procedures for the grants and scholarship components while continuing to operate and fundraise for the House, just as we have since 1985. These new programs mean that we can positively touch and improve more children’s lives in the eastern Iowa area.

Jeff Disterhoft, Board President