Family Stories

Jerry Guirey Family

“It’s all about the House”

It all started quite innocently in 1994 as me and 3 of my High School mates got together one fall afternoon to play golf. We decided then to make it an Annual affair with no purpose or cause in mind. By 2006 our group had grown to about 30+ golfers and it was decided to “have a purpose”.

It was an easy choice for me to make The Ronald McDonald House the beneficiary of our fun little outing.

In March of 1992, my Family suffered the worst possible tragedy known to Man. Our youngest daughter Lindsey Guirey, died very suddenly at home at the age of 7. We had no connection with the Ronald McDonald House but I was aware of their mission. When asked if we wanted to designate a Charity for donations in Lindsey’s name, for some unknown reason I instinctively identified The Ronald McDonald House as that charity. My thought being that if there was any way to ease the fear and anxiety of Families with a very sick child at Children’s Hospital, then that was a very worthy cause indeed.

Now back to the Jerry Guirey Invitational. In our inaugural outing as a fundraiser, we had 32 golfers and raised a modest $605. Each subsequent year our numbers grew in both participants and funds raised.

This year our 19th Annual J Guirey Invitational had over 70 golfers and raised almost $8,000. To date, we have been able to contribute over $33,000 with a goal of $10,000 and 100 golfers for our 20th Annual event in August 2014.

Each year this event requires more time, effort and resources to provide a fun and meaningful Outing. Thankfully I have the dedication and strength of my niece Kathy Renaud. Kathy has become the glue and the grease to bring everything together, from volunteers to Sponsors and Donors.

Side benefits of my involvement with “The House” has been the opportunity work with and get to know Jen Litomisky, Mike McCoy and the Staff at RMH that make it such a warm and caring operation. They also provide beautiful gift baskets for our raffle each year. Additionally, I have been able to bring a number of families down to The House for first hand tours and introductions. I am happy to say that this has blossomed into numerous volunteer activities such as meal preparation and serving, food donations, etc.

Throughout the years this event has been a labor of love with Lindsey smiling down and encouraging us throughout the process. Without the continued support of my family, volunteers and lifelong friends that have been with me since 1994, this event would have fizzled years ago.

But then isn’t that what the driving force has always been? Helping those Families that are experiencing the most traumatic times of their lives is a purpose that any parent can support.

Our entire Team remains focused and committed to growing our support for The Ronald McDonald House.

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