Ice Cream Social

Thank you for your interest in providing an Ice Cream Social for the families who are staying at Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House while their children are being treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This program provides a chance for our guest families to enjoy some “down time” and socialization. These guidelines will help you plan a successful social at our “home away from home” for families with critically ill children.

• This program is for groups with a maximum of 10 volunteers. Please consider breaking larger groups into two events or having part of the group help with pre-preparations outside our House.
• Ice Cream Socials are served on Friday and Sunday nights only (schedule permitting) from 7:30 – 8:30 PM. After cleanup you should be finished, and out the door by 9:00 PM.
• Bring enough to feed 50 people, plus those in your own group – at least 3 gallons of ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Please bring ice creams and frozen yogurts in a variety of flavors. Toppings may include:
• Fruits – fresh, chopped or dried; syrups, candies, cookie pieces, marshmallows, whipped topping, sprinkles.
• Nuts and seeds are permitted as long as they are kept in separate containers and clearly labeled.
• If you would like to have a tour of our House, please plan to arrive by 6:30. If not, 7:15 will be sufficient for set up. Please bear in mind that our dinner group may still be in the kitchen finishing cleanup.
• Bowls, silverware and glasses are provided, but you may choose to bring paper products for ease of cleanup.
• Milk and coffee are provided, and we have a Coke machine (50¢). We also have an ice machine. You are welcome to bring other drinks if you choose.
• Let the front desk know when you are ready to serve, and the volunteer on duty will make an announcement for our guest families to join you in the dining area.
• Once guest families have helped themselves, your volunteer group is welcome to join in.
• After everyone has been served, please clean up the ice cream area, and wipe down the counters and tables.
• Place all dishes in the dishwashers and run dishwashers when full.
• Place all leftovers into our ‘community freezer’ in the back of the kitchen, labeled with the date.

For the safety of our House children and parents, anyone in your group who is coughing, feverish, has a runny nose or has been exposed to a contagious disease should not visit the House. Some children are in isolation or have immune-suppressed bodies and cannot fight even the simplest cold. Gloves are required for all visitors (we supply), and we encourage frequent hand-washing while in the House.

Thank you again for your generous offer to provide some treats and relaxation for our families! Coming home from the hospital to an ice cream social, provided by people who care, is a real gift to our families.

Sincerely,

Lisa Davis
Meals and Activities Coordinator
513-636-2760 office
ldavis@RMHouse.org