10th Annual Winter Holiday Tea hits a high note for Ronald McDonald House of Detroit’s fundraising efforts

The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit’s 10th Annual Winter Holiday Tea on Dec. 2 raised net proceeds of more than $7,000, which will help the House provide a home away from home for families of sick children.

The event at the Detroit Marriott Hotel featured a silent auction, fashion show by Elite Couture, and entertainment by jazz singer Kimmie Horne and her quartet. News anchors Tati Amare, of WDIV and Stephen Clark, of WXYZ, co-emceed the popular holiday event.

Jennifer Litomisky, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit, said donor support is enabling the House to move forward with significant new programs, which will be announced in 2018.

Amare and Clark both shared personal stories of their families who, in the past or the present, would benefit from having the support services offered by the House while attending to a child with special medical needs.

Event chair and board member Charlene Mitchell-Rodgers, of West Bloomfield, spoke about how the House’s staff and volunteers puts families first and she proudly shares in that commitment.

For families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit, a $10 daily fee is charged for a guest room and use of common areas including a kitchen, laundry room, gathering space, playroom and serenity garden. No family is turned away due to a lack of funds. The House has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator and has been a finalist in Crain’s Detroit Business Best Run Nonprofits for several years.