Which city hosted the first Ronald McDonald House, opened in 1974?

Philadelphia hosted the first Ronald McDonald House, which opened in 1974. The house was created to give families a place to stay while their seriously ill children received treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The project grew from the work of pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans and physician Milton “Mickey” Donaldson, who saw families sleeping in hospitals during long treatment periods. Philadelphia Eagles general manager Jimmy Murray helped organize fundraising after player Fred Hill’s daughter, Kim, was diagnosed with leukemia. McDonald’s supported the effort through a fundraising campaign connected to Shamrock Shake sales.

The first house opened on October 15, 1974, at 4032 Spruce Street, with space for seven families. It later moved within West Philadelphia and expanded substantially. The concept became the foundation for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which supports families near children’s hospitals around the world.

The name can cause confusion because Ronald McDonald is the company’s clown mascot, but the house is not simply a themed lodging facility. Its central purpose is family support, reducing the financial and emotional burden of traveling for pediatric medical care.