Every day, families from the Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana find comfort, community, and support while their children receive care at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and the Proton Center. On July 14, many of these families came together for a Family Summer BBQ Reunion, a celebration hosted by the Ronald McDonald House of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana and The Tony Reyes Family Foundation to bring them back together for an evening of food, music, and connection.
A Celebration Built by Many Hands
The Summer BBQ Reunion at the Winfield Bandshell and Riverwalk brought together an entire community of partners who share a commitment to supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This year’s event was made possible with the help of great sponsors like Northwestern Medicine, McDonald’s, the McDonald’s Supplier Network, Tyson Foods, McCain, National Beef, Martin Brower, Dr Pepper, HAVI, tms, Turano Bread, the Mendez Group, and the Winfield Knights of Columbus.
CartonCraft, VDC Packaging & Converting, and PaperPak were proud to be one among the contributors supporting this gathering, standing alongside longtime McDonald’s system partners of the Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana who show up for the families who need it most.
An Evening for the Families
Guests enjoyed a classic backyard style barbecue prepared and served by dedicated supplier volunteers, live DJ entertainment, face painting, balloon art, water toys, bubbles, and a special appearance from Ronald McDonald and Grimace. Families had the chance to relax, reconnect, and simply enjoy an evening built entirely around them.
The evening’s program included remarks from hosts, the Ronald McDonald House leadership and Northwestern Medicine leadership, recognizing the strength of the families who call the House their temporary home and the community that continues to show up for them.
Why Events Like This Matter
For families navigating a medical journey with a child in the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House offers a place to rest, regroup, and find support close to the care their child needs. Community events like the Summer BBQ Reunion gave these families a moment to simply be together, honored not for what they are going through, but for the strength they carry every single day.
Supporting Ronald McDonald House Families
When a child is receiving medical care, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep, how they’ll eat, or whether they’ll face those moments alone. Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana provides a comforting place for families to stay just steps away from the hospitals their children depend on, allowing them to focus on what matters most, being together.
The Summer BBQ Reunion was a reminder that even a few hours of laughter, good food, and community can make a meaningful difference for families facing unimaginable challenges. CartonCraft is honored to support organizations that strengthen our communities and provide hope during life’s most difficult moments.
How You Can Help
Every act of generosity helps Ronald McDonald House continue providing comfort and care to families when they need it most.
You can support their mission by making a financial donation, volunteering your time, organizing a company or community fundraiser, donating wish list items or meals, sharing their mission with friends, family, and colleagues.
Together, we can help ensure families can stay close to the care their children need.
Donate today: ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago.org/pleasegive
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved: https://ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago.org
