Our History
Built on compassion. Grown through community. Driven by families.
Built on compassion. Grown through community. Driven by families.
Ronald McDonald House of the Ohio Valley was incorporated in 1988 with a vision to support families navigating childhood illness in our region.
That vision became reality in 2010 with the opening of our first House on the Ascension St. Vincent campus in Evansville, Indiana. With 10 guest rooms, Washington House created a place where families could stay close, find rest, and support one another during long hospital stays.
As the need grew, so did we.
In 2019, we opened Gateway House on the Deaconess Gateway campus in Newburgh, Indiana—expanding our capacity to welcome more families. With 16 guest rooms and thoughtfully designed spaces, Gateway House allowed us to meet more families in their moment of need.
1988
A community unites to support families.
2010
Ten guest rooms welcome families in Evansville.
2019
Sixteen guest rooms expand support in Newburgh.
2023
Care reaches families in the community.
As families’ needs have grown, so has our reach.
Brings comfort items, snacks and essentials to families at the hospital bedside.
Provides community healthcare and support, meeting families where they are.
Offers a quiet, private space in the hospital for parents to rest, recharge and prepare for bringing their infant home.
“I was given a mission, and the ability to serve it. To make a difference in the lives of children.”
A simple idea that changed everything.
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Inspired by the needs of families caring for children in the hospital, Dr. Audrey Evans, the Philadelphia Eagles, and local McDonald’s supporters helped create a welcoming place for families to stay close.
That idea grew into a global network united by a shared commitment to supporting families throughout their child’s healthcare journey.
Dr. Audrey Evans, Co-Founder
Dr. Audrey Evans understood that caring for a child also meant caring for their family. Her vision helped create a place where parents could rest, find support, and remain close to their child’s care.
Watch her story and discover the compassion behind the first Ronald McDonald House.
Every family, volunteer, donor, and community partner helps write our next chapter. Together, we can bring comfort and support to more families when they need it most.
Get the latest news, stories and ways to help families in the Ohio Valley.
