$1 Million Donation To Benefit Ronald McDonald House

WESTWOOD—On July 9, the Westside Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House located at 927 Hilgard Avenue announced that they have become the recipients of a generous donation of $1 million from the Mendez Family Foundation to help complete construction at the Westwood Ronald McDonald House. On February 18, 2025, the Ronald McDonald House announced that they officially completed the first phase of the Westside Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House and opened to the public. The completion of phase one included the transformation and conversion of a former boutique hotel to a facility to house up to 11 families near the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. According to the Ronald McDonald House charity webpage, upon completion, the facility will be a multi-storied home away from home with 33 rooms that will be free long-term housing for families who have a family member receiving critical care at Westside hospitals. The Amenities include a hot daily meal, laundry facilities, lounges, and family play places. This is the realization of a 30-year dream of dedicated donors and staff that the Ronald McDonald House non-profit had dubbed the “McFamily.” It wasn’t long ago that this same group announced that they had land. “With the recent acquisition of a wonderful property, this dream will become a reality.” In February 2025, another announcement caused even more excitement. “This newly opened area features 11 guest room and a variety of shared family spaces, including a fully equipped kitchen, a bright and welcoming dining room, a spacious business and volunteer hub, a cozy family room…” The following came directly in-part from the website which is updated with each new accomplishment, only made possible through the works and support of others. “The House will be open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, and provide a home-like setting for the entire family when a child is sick, so they can stay together and focus on what matters most. Our Westside House will now provide vital support to families with children being treated at UCLA Children’s Hospital, St. John’s Children’s Hospital, and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s Hospital. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California purchased the Hilgard House Hotel in the heart of Westwood Village with the vision of transforming it into a 33-room Ronald McDonald House, the 7th in Southern California. While we continue to raise funds to begin full construction and renovations, the urgent need for local, no-cost housing for families of patients at UCLA Children’s Hospital drove us to act quickly. As the only children’s hospital in California without a nearby Ronald McDonald House, they were in desperate need of such support. The Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit organization that provides a temporary “home away from home” for families with critically ill or injured children. It allows families to stay close to the hospital where their child is receiving treatment, easing financial burdens and reducing stress.” By Sharon