Construction begins on second Ronald McDonald House

Springfield general contractor DeWitt & Associates Inc. this week will begin construction on the second Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. It will be located on the sixth floor of Mercy Hospital Springfield.

Mercy has provided an 8,200-square-foot space in its Children's Hospital for the charity, which would feature 10 bedrooms and large common areas for a living room, dining room, kitchen, playroom, gathering room, laundry center and public restrooms, according to a March 29 Mercy news release.

“We are looking forward to furthering our longstanding relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks,” said Jay Guffey, chief operating officer of Mercy Hospital Springfield, in the release. “Partnering to provide this opportunity inside our hospital to families of our patients is something we are very excited about at Mercy, and we are thrilled to be moving forward with this vision we have shared for many years.”

The new Ronald McDonald House, which is expected to open in the fall, has a fundraising goal of $1.82 million for construction, fittings, furnishings, supplies and first-year operations. According to Ronald McDonald House Charities Board Chairman David Hamm, $647,351, or 35 percent of the goal, has been pledged to date. The organization is committing to complete fundraising in 12 months.

In addition to the space in its Children's Hospital, Mercy also is contributing operation support including utilities, phone and Internet services, linens, towels and maintenance. Ronald McDonald House Charities is covering the costs of infill, furnishings, supplies, ongoing staffing and remaining operational costs.

The charity's other Ronald McDonald House is located on East Primrose Street near CoxHealth's south campus. The charity provides living quarters for families who have seriously ill and injured children who must travel to Springfield for medical treatment.