The first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974, extending McDonald’s branding into family charity.
The house opened in Philadelphia to provide accommodation for families of children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Its creation followed efforts involving Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill, who wanted support for families during long pediatric medical stays, and McDonald’s involvement in fundraising.
The charity used Ronald McDonald’s name and image to connect a familiar corporate mascot with a practical community service. The first house became the model for a network that later expanded across the United States and internationally.
Ronald McDonald House Charities is a separate nonprofit organization rather than a McDonald’s restaurant division. McDonald’s restaurants, franchisees, employees, and customers have supported the charity, but the houses provide lodging and related services rather than selling food.