Rogers, RMHC partnership recognized for making a difference in family care
Earlier this summer, Rogers and Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Eastern Wisconsin (RMHC) were named finalists for BizTimes Media’s 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Awards in the category of Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year. The recognition highlights the strong partnership between us, united by a shared commitment to compassionate, family-centered care for those facing mental and behavioral health challenges.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room opened in 2021 in the Ladish Center on our Oconomowoc campus and continues to operate with the generous support of the Foundation, offering a warm, welcoming space where caregivers can relax, siblings can play, and families can find comfort during difficult times. The space provides visitors access to a full kitchen, seating areas to relax, internet, laundry facilities and entertainment
“At Rogers, we understand that healing involves the whole family,” says Cindy Meyer, president and CEO of Rogers. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a welcoming space where visitors find rest, understanding, and support during incredibly challenging times. Hearing heartfelt stories from families and how they’ve connected with others, found strength, or simply shared a moment of peace reinforces why our collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin is so important. Being named a finalist is a tribute to the power of compassion and community.”
Since opening, the Family Room has welcomed more than 1,800 families for over 18,000 visits. In 2024 alone, more than 820 families visited the space—an 89% increase from the previous year.
The collaboration continues to grow through innovative programs like Meals from the Heart, which provides free snacks and meals, and a Field Trip Initiative that invites residential patients to participate in art and cooking projects in the Family Room.
Although Rogers and RMHC did not take home the award, being named a finalist is a meaningful recognition of the impact our teams are making together. Thank you to everyone who helps create a welcoming, healing environment for patients and their families every day.
