At 12th Street Catering, our 12th Street for Good initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful philosophy: using our resources and talents to make meaningful contributions to our community. Each month, we spotlight one of our valued partners whose mission resonates with our commitment to service and care. This month, we are proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Philadelphia. This organization has quietly but powerfully transformed lives in our city and beyond for over 50 years.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1974, RMHC Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the world's first Ronald McDonald House. What started as a single house has now grown into a global network of more than 300 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide, but Philadelphia remains the heart of the movement. Today, RMHC Philadelphia operates two houses: one on Chestnut Street, with 127 rooms, and a second at Front & Erie, with 20 rooms. These houses serve as sanctuaries for families who have traveled from across the country and around the globe so their children can receive life-saving medical treatment at renowned institutions like CHOP, St. Christopher’s, and Shriners Hospitals.
But RMHC is far more than just a place to sleep. As Ashley Leiss, Communications Manager for RMHC Philadelphia, shared with us, “We provide more than just a bed. We provide transportation, meals, activities, support groups, and a community of care that helps entire families during the most challenging times of their lives.”
12th Street Catering has had the privilege of supporting RMHC Philadelphia in multiple ways over the years. One of the most meaningful aspects of our partnership is our ongoing food program. Each week, we donate fresh, pre-made sandwiches and meals to the Chestnut Street house. These simple but nourishing meals provide tremendous comfort to families who spend long days in hospitals, often with little time or energy to think about their own sustenance.
“When your child is in the hospital, you’re not thinking about what you’re going to eat that day,” Ashley explained. “Knowing that there is food waiting when they return to the house allows parents and caregivers to focus on their child without added stress.”
This support is especially helpful on weekends, when the RMHC culinary staff are often stretched thin. By having fresh meals ready and waiting, families can simply grab what they need and focus on what matters most: being together.
Last fall, we were honored to contribute to one of RMHC Philadelphia’s most significant milestones: their 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Mann Center. 12th Street Catering provided its services to support the event, which welcomed hundreds of supporters, families, and community members for a day of reflection and celebration.
“It was a Philly-themed celebration unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Ashley. “The Mann Center was a beautiful venue for bringing everyone together to honor our history and the countless families we’ve served.”
The event underscored just how far RMHC Philadelphia has come since its founding, while also reinforcing the ongoing need for community involvement to sustain its life-changing work.
Throughout our conversation, Ashley shared a recurring theme that perfectly mirrors the mission of 12th Street for Good: neighbors helping neighbors.
“Our co-founder Jimmy Murray always said it’s about neighbors helping neighbors,” she explained. “12th Street Catering is a perfect example of that. They’re right here in our community, using their resources to support families in ways that are immediate and deeply impactful.”
This philosophy is at the core of everything RMHC Philadelphia does. From transportation to hot breakfasts, from stocked pantries to evening activities for children, every detail is thoughtfully designed to meet needs families may not even realize they have in moments of crisis.
“I often hear from families that the Ronald McDonald House cared for them in ways they didn’t even know they needed,” Ashley shared. “Some families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and we’re able to provide not just meals, but clothing, toiletries, emotional support, and a sense of home.”
While much of RMHC’s work revolves around their core housing and meal services, they also run special programs that offer moments of joy and normalcy to children and their siblings.
Each summer, RMHC hosts two camps: their week-long Ronald McDonald Camp in the Poconos for children who have battled cancer and their siblings, and a six-week in-house summer camp at the Philadelphia House. These programs offer themed activities, outings, and creative projects that allow kids to be kids, even amidst medical challenges.
“It’s truly family-centered care,” Ashley emphasized. “We want siblings and parents to feel cared for, too, so they can best support their child who is undergoing treatment.”
RMHC Philadelphia thrives because of the generosity of its volunteers and donors. As Ashley reminded us, “The heart of the house is our volunteers.” From van drivers who shuttle families to and from the hospital, to front desk volunteers who greet new arrivals, to kitchen helpers who prepare and serve meals, every role is essential.
In addition to volunteering, RMHC offers numerous ways for individuals and businesses to contribute: donations, sponsorships, fundraising participation, and in-kind contributions like the meals 12th Street provides.
For those interested in getting involved, Ashley encourages visiting RMHC Philadelphia’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, ongoing needs, and upcoming events.
Our partnership with RMHC Philadelphia is one we deeply value, not only because of the impact but because of the shared philosophy that underpins it. As part of 12th Street for Good, we are committed to continuing our support and shining a light on the good work happening right in our community.
Whether it’s a fresh sandwich after a long day at the hospital or a fully catered celebration marking 50 years of service, every act of kindness builds on RMHC’s extraordinary mission of keeping families close.
In Ashley’s words: “It’s about building community. And when we all do our part, even the small things make a world of difference.”
For more information on how you can support Ronald McDonald House Charities Philadelphia, please visit: https://www.rmhcphilly.org
Stay tuned for next month’s 12th Street for Good feature as we continue to share the stories of those making an impact in our city.
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