A planned Ronald McDonald House in Westwood Village has secured a $1 million donation from the Rafael and Sharyl Mendez Family Foundation to support its establishment. The project, which involves converting a former Hilgard Avenue boutique hotel into a 33,000-square-foot facility, aims to provide no-cost lodging for families with children receiving medical treatment at nearby facilities, including UCLA Children’s Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.
Project Scope and Fundraising Goals
The proposed facility is part of a broader $50 million capital campaign currently underway to fund the acquisition and transformation of the Hilgard Avenue property. Once completed, the four-story building will function as the seventh Ronald McDonald House within the Southern California Chapter. The site is designed to accommodate as many as 33 families simultaneously, providing a “home away from home” for those navigating lifesaving medical care on the Westside.
Did You Know? While the McDonald’s Corporation remains a partner in Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Southern California chapter operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with corporate support accounting for only 10% to 15% of its annual budget.
Institutional Impact and Recognition
According to Kelly Herman, executive director of RMH Westside LA, the donation ensures that families will not incur costs for lodging or essential support services. In recognition of the Mendez family’s contribution, the facility’s rooftop lounge and welcoming reception area will be named in honor of the foundation. Nicole Mendez stated that the gift was intended to provide a meaningful way for her family to support the community’s healthcare needs.
Future Outlook
With the capital campaign ongoing, the project is moving toward the transformation of the former hotel site. The establishment of the house is expected to fill a gap in pediatric healthcare support on the Westside. Future operations will depend on the continued success of the fundraising efforts to meet the $50 million goal and the completion of the building’s conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is funding the new Ronald McDonald House?
The project is supported by a $50 million capital campaign, which recently received a $1 million donation from the Rafael and Sharyl Mendez Family Foundation.
Which hospitals will this facility serve?
The house is intended to serve families with children receiving treatment at UCLA Children’s Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, and other medical facilities on the Westside.
Will families have to pay to stay at the house?
No. According to Kelly Herman, executive director of RMH Westside LA, families will not pay for lodging or provided support services.
How might the completion of this facility change the way families manage the logistical challenges of long-term pediatric treatment in Los Angeles?