'A Few Good Men' rebrands, honors Ronald McDonald House supporters
For six years, the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House has held its annual A Few Good Men gala and awards ceremony to raise funds for the upkeep of this caring and compassionate organization.
However, it's 2022, and this year saw a big change. On Sept. 30, a new tradition was born.
Thanks to many powerful, generous women in our valley who called out and said: “We want to be Good Women," the event is now called A Few Good Men & Women.
For the previous five events, men have suited up wearing striped socks in red and white like Ronald McDonald. This year there were eight honorees, consisting of four men with socks, three ladies with gloves and one good soul with both.
Bella da Ball aka Brian Wanzek, the Coachella Valley's local and vocal social ambassador, honored his flamboyant and charitable drag character by supporting both, and the packed crowd applauded and smiled and laughed as she made her way to the stage to describe the unbelievable gifts collected and donated by friends and family.
The evening began with photos and table upon table of silent auction gifts, ranging from sports-signed memorabilia and spa sessions to signed star photos, jewelry and restaurant gift cards.
This year's honorees came from all walks of life, and included Peter Chryss, managing partner of First Call Security & Sounds; Karen Devine, anchor-investigative reporter, KESQ News Channel 3; Julio Figueroa, director of external and legislative affairs for AT&T; Damian Jenkins, division president of The Management Trust; Melissa Neiderman, producer of Neiderman Productions; Rod Vandenbos, founder and CEO of Buzz Box; Stephanie Wilson, CEO of Circa Management; and Wanzek.
The event was co-chaired by Jack Srebnik and Michelle Stansfield, along with committee members Ann Piller, Ernesto Rosales, Geoff Allen, Jeff Tropple, Neftali Galarza, Richard O’Connell, Mario Hernandez, Robert Piecuch, Deborah Granillo and Ron DiGrandi.
The mission of the Ronald McDonald House is to provide a “home away from home” to families while their children receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals and medical facilities.
Master of Ceremonies Srebnik opened the evening with some background on the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House. Since opening on Sept. 11, 1996, the facility has served more than 27,000 families and currently supports more than 54 families each night.
The house provides, food, utilities, laundry, counseling, day care, a hair salon and even a pumping station for new mothers whose preemies need to remain at nearby Loma Linda Children's Hospital. All of the costs, including staff salaries, come from generous donations.
Srebnik spoke about the wonderful treatment his recently born grandson received at Loma Linda and how the family was able to experience first-hand the love and support of the Ronald McDonald house during that time.
Nancy Munoz told the crowd that she and her husband spent four years and four months in and out of the facility as parents wanting to be close to their daughter, Leilani, who ultimately did not survive. Munoz said being at the Ronald McDonald House for so long and not having to pay a single dollar inspired her to become a pediatric nurse.
The Aqua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage did the guests proud with a delicious three-course meal, beginning with a plated salad followed by hot short ribs and crunchy vegetables on a bed of mashed potatoes. Dessert was then served, which consisted of delicate mini-cheesecakes topped with fruit.
Fifty percent of the families who stay at the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House are from the Coachella Valley. To show your support and make a donation, call (909) 747-1200 or visit rmhcsc.org. All donations, large or small, can be lifesaving to a parent when they need a stay at the house that was built with love.
Carole Stephen-Smith has lived in the desert for more than 30 years. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, she began writing in London and has been a regular contributor to The Desert Sun for eight years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'A Few Good Men' rebrands, honors Ronald McDonald House supporters
