Community Gathers to Support Recovery by Edna Luevano - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Community Gathers to Support Recovery

By Edna Luevano, Community Writer
October 8, 2014 at 10:40am. Views: 135

On Oct. 4, the 5th Annual Food and Wine Tasting was held at the Historic Burrage Mansion in Redlands. The annual event, presented by the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, which benefits families of critically ill children, included jugglers roaming the gardens and silk aerial artists contorted themselves to the entertainment of guests. Though the night was light with wine and gourmet food, the event's focus was fixed on the families who stay at the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House facility. Daryl Norsell from KCAL narrated the night’s events and auctions. The purpose of the night was to raise awareness and fund raise in support of the continued goals of LLRMH. The operation requires about $1 million per year to run. All proceeds from ticket sales, and silent and live auctions benefited the cause. Some of the items up for auction included diamond earrings, artwork, a bicycle and a golfing package. One of the people responsible for this community event is Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Mike Kovack who has been there since the inception of the event 5 years ago. Kovack expressed his passion for the cause as he said, “…The hospital is going to take care of the baby who’s sick but who’s taking care of the family? And that’s where we come in and take care of the family; keep them healthy, mentally, physically, and emotionally, so that they can be the support at the hospital.” According to Kovack there have been statistics proving that a patients’ stay is reduced by almost 2 weeks when their parents are close by or at their bedside. The Ronald McDonald House currently has 21 guest rooms and families have to be placed in hotels because there just isn’t enough room. However, that won’t be the case for long. Plans are underway to expand the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House by another 36 rooms. One of those families is the Black family. Krystal and Tommy Black, who attended the fundraiser, gave a personal testimony of their stay at the Ronald McDonald House after their daughter Gracie’s premature birth. Krystal related the importance of the house, where parents and siblings could come home, cry, recharge and share in their similar stories. They shared that this allowed them to return to the hospital with renewed faith and hope. Gracie will be 3 years old in December. As all the corks were popped and the gourmet treats had all been served, the night wound to a close; the message was not lost amongst the festivities. Attendees agreed that the event was clearly a success. The two-pronged goal of raising awareness and funds for the House was accomplished at the hands of the organizers, volunteers, and attendees.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 997

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 710

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 299

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 823

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 647

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 772

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 464

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 734

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 771

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 849

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 749

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 771

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->