Young readers across the region raised more than $312,000 to support children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region 

ALBANY, N.Y. – Since its inception in 2014, the READ for RMHC-CR program, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region (RMHC-CR), has raised more than $1.5 million to support the needs of families with sick children. In its ninth year (2022-2023), the program engaged nearly 3,000 young readers from more than 100 schools across the region, and raised an astonishing $312,043! 

As this year’s program draws to a close, RMHC-CR and many partner schools are celebrating their readers’ achievements with unique events, including a READ for RMHC-CR DJ Dance Party at Okte Elementary School in Clifton Park,  a water balloon fight with all READ for RMHC-CR participants at Fonda-Fultonville Middle School and a 5K Fun Run & Birthday Bash at Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. 

READ for RMHC-CR is a unique, reading-based community service program that empowers readers of all ages to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The vast majority of program participants are elementary and middle school students, whose numbers have grown tremendously in recent years. During the 2022-2023 school year, a total of 2,986 students participated in READ for RMHC-CR – a record for the program! 

In addition to raising critical funds for programs like the Albany Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Comfort Cart at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med, and the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Krantz Cottage in Lake George, READ for RMHC-CR fosters two important habits – reading and community service – that can benefit participants throughout their lives. “[It’s] a great way for our students to get motivated to read,” explains Zadoorian. “This [program] brings our community together in a special way that promotes the spirit of giving and kindness to those whose families are in great need.” 

“Once again, school communities across our region have gone above and beyond to make the READ for RMHC-CR program a huge success,” says Nancy Damato, READ for RMHC-CR Program Director. “We are extremely grateful to our partners and to all of our participating readers and their families for the outpouring of support. It makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.” 

The READ for RMHC-CR program is supported by numerous local business partners, including Albany Broadcasting, Apex Entertainment, Complete Network, La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, Mel eMedia, National Grid, Saratoga Springs Publishing, Schoolhouse Pediatrics, Tri-City ValleyCats, UAlbany Athletics and Velocity Print. Local authors also participate in the program to bring added resources and benefits to participating schools. Special thanks to Katherine Agard, Ben Barrowman, Shaundra Bartlett, Amber L. Bradbury, Michael Burns, Janine De Tillio Cammarata, Diane Capogna, Julie Chapman, Vicki Addesso Dodd, Jason Edwards, Maryellen Wander Eyer, Elizabeth Macy, Anthony Richichi, Sara V. Robinson, Rebecca & Niamh Schmid, E.L. Shen, and Rachel Vogel for their support. 

RMHC of the Capital Region is already registering schools to READ for RMHC-CR during the 2023-2024 school year. As the program marks its 10th year in existence, the team at RMHC-CR is planning some exciting additions to continue to increase participation and engagement across the region. For more information, please visit www.rmhcofalbany.org/read or contact Nancy Damato at (518) 438-2655. 

About Ronald McDonald House Charities^® of the Capital Region

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region (RMHC®-CR) draws on the compassion of our community to deliver and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families. Through our core programs – the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room®, and Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Krantz Cottage – we offer access to quality health care with a family-centered approach. RMHC-CR helps families with sick children stay close to each other and the care they need, and brings critical health care resources where they are needed most. With the help of dedicated volunteers and community partners, we ensure that families are fully supported and actively involved in every aspect of their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhcofalbany.org and follow RMHC-CR on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.