Lights of Love
Since 1987, Connecticut school children have been the heart of the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut Lights of Love fund raising campaign. Inspired by the generosity of one Cheshire student, the campaign has grown to include the participation of thousands of children from public and private schools throughout the state. In combination with contributions from individuals, Lights of Love raised $40,000 last year.
The Governor declared Ronald McDonald House Week which ends with a tree lighting ceremony in conjunction with our Trees of Hope event. Two children from each participating school are invited along with their parents and school personnel for fun, food and a visit with Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald to celebrate their efforts.
Lights of Love has expanded to include additional fundraising events throughout the year where schools and student groups participate to raise money for the House. We never cease to be amazed at the ingenious fund raising events that schools devise to help in our annual holiday effort.
Special Recognition Shelton Intermediate School
This year, we give special recognition to the Shelton Intermediate School which raised more than $5,000! More info...
Lights of Love 2007
To thank schools who participated in the Lights of Love, we invite two student representatives and teachers from each participating school to attend a celebration at the House where we light a 40-foot tree in the front yard. This year, a great party was hosted here at the House, complete with horse-drawn hay rides, food, and entertainment. One lucky guest family was chosen to turn on the tree lights.
Wish List Donation
Jacob Apkon (right), son of former board member Michael Apkon, M.D. used some of his Bar Mitzvah money to fill 10 baskets with items from our Wish List and presented them to Janet Hanscom (left).
Lyman School Students Support Teacher
Recent House guests from New London County had lots of support from their local school where the father who stayed here is a teacher. Lyman Memorial High School collected $2,000 worth of Wish List items which filled the conference room. The school also provided dinner for guests. Pictured are students from Lyman School (left) and school nurse Sandy Belisle (right) with their donated items.