We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, inspired by the vision of Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneering pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who believed that caring for a child meant caring for the whole family.
Together with Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill and his family, Eagles owner Leonard Tose, and McDonald’s, her vision became a reality, creating a place where families could stay together while their children received medical care.
What began as one House soon grew into a global movement. In 1977, that movement reached Southern California, laying the foundation for the region’s first Ronald McDonald House, just blocks from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Discover the inspiring story behind our beginnings. Learn more about Dr. Audrey Evans and the legacy that continues to shape our global mission by watching Audrey’s Children, the film inspired by her remarkable life.
From our first House in Los Angeles to a growing network of Houses, Family Rooms, and Camp programs across Southern California, our story is one of community, compassion, and a shared commitment to families.
Explore the milestones that shaped who we are today and continue to inspire where we’re going next.
Southern California Children’s Cancer Services is established, laying the foundation for what would become Ronald McDonald House Southern California.
As the needs of families grow, so does our reach – with new Houses, expanded accommodations, and support extending directly inside hospitals.
Our work continues to evolve beyond a place to stay, responding to the emotional, practical, and long-term needs families face throughout a child’s healthcare journey.
As pediatric healthcare and family needs evolve across Southern California, we continue expanding where and how families can access support.
50 years of history. Countless families. One shared vision for the future.
To learn more about the meaningful impact that Ronald McDonald House has on the lives of families with sick and injured children across the country, we invite you to view our latest annual report.
As our founding & forever partner, McDonald’s Southern California has been meaningfully supporting families through Ronald McDonald House since 1977.
