We’ve Made The Ronald McDonald House our Flagship Cause

At Bakeris Roofing, we’re always looking for great opportunities to help people in need. We’ve decided that we’re going to make The Ronald McDonald House our flagship cause. Here’s why.

The Ronald McDonald House, located on the west side of Mercy Hospital, is for families that need a place to stay. It maintains a home-like environment, along with room for parents to cook while their children are in the hospital next door fighting cancer and other ailments. These are families that have to stay in the city long-term, and many of them don’t actually live in the Des Moines area. The children might have to stay in the hospital for months or even longer. This allows parents to have a nearby place where they can feel at home. Right now, it costs ten dollars a night for families to stay at The Ronald McDonald House. They are trying to make it so that eventually they won’t have to pay anything at all.

There are some things we all can do to get involved. We can go and cook meals, for example. Because there are people who are spending all their time at the hospital tending to their loved ones, there are programs where you can go to their houses and mow the lawn, do landscaping, pull weeds, etc. Like I’ve said before, it’s a lot easier just to write a check. To me, what’s more precious than money is your time. Time is hard to give up.

My friend heads the committee for the Ronald McDonald House Ride that’s coming up on August 27. It’s going to be on a Saturday on the High Trestle Trail from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Up here in Iowa, there’s a lot of social rides.) There’s going to be a silent auction and some giveaways. I think the total distance will be around 18 miles. If you’re going to be in the area, I hope you check out our killer bike trails. The High Trestle Trail Bridge goes over the Des Moines Basin, and it’s very cool. The bridge lights up at night, and it’s one heck of a big span. (I think the bridge cost about $5 Million to build.)

Remember, the route goes from the Flat Tire at the Nite Hawk in Slater through the bridge and back again. After it’s over, there’s going to be a live band at the Flat Tire Pub. Also, 100% of the money raised from this event will go to The Ronald McDonald House. There won’t be any administrative money taken out from the proceeds.

Visit the Pre-Registration section of their website to get tickets for $30 each (until August 26). The ticket price will be $35 on the day of the event. When you register, you won’t get a t-shirt. Of course, if you do a lot of these events, you’ll end up with about a zillion shirts. Instead, you’ll get a mug that gets you a discount on drinks, whether it be pop or adult beverages too.  Last year, they had somewhere between 120 to 140 participants. They’re trying to get the event to grow even bigger this year. The great thing is, they were able to schedule the event at the pubs when there isn’t an Iowa State home football game. I encourage you to take part. It’s going to be lots of fun.

We’re proud to make The Ronald McDonald House our flagship cause at Bakeris Roofing. I look forward to everyone joining in to give their time to such a great organization.