Each leaf speaks hope to me, coming from the Giving Tree

The Giving Tree represents individuals, businesses and families who support the Ronald McDonald House Charity on an annual basis. The mural of a tree holds an array of leaves inscribed with names, which either can be the donor's name or someone they would like to honor on the tree. There are two murals of Giving Trees, as there are two Ronald McDonald Houses. One is located on Lake Avenue and another on east 24th Street.  When there's a Giving Tree leaf added to the mural, this signifies $1.00 donation per day or $365.00 a year, with a five-year renewal.  Because this program has a five-year renewal plan connected with it, donors receive a plaque with one gold leaf with the year they begin their pledge, followed by gold leaves inscribed with the continuing years. For example, the first leaf has a 2013 on the plaque, and the subsequent leaves read 2014 - 2017.

When Donna, a former Ronald McDonald House Charities board member, heard about the Giving Tree at its inception, she felt it was a great way to be involved.  Her husband had connections to McDonald's as a teenager and eventually was the owner of McDonald's in Sioux Falls.

Donna's memories go back to when the Ronald McDonald House Charity began. She caught the vision for what they do, and it has held to this day. She's especially involved when it comes to fundraising efforts, because she's seen how repeated events can become mundane. Donna appreciates the variety of events the Ronald McDonald House Charity offers locally. Further, Donna has served on the board for two terms, or six years, and that means she's met several of the families who have stayed at the house.  "When you talk to the people, how can you not help the charity?" Donna asks.

Randi of RKBrushworks

Randi, the painter of the mural representing the Giving Tree, also got involved with families in mind. As she spent about four days completing the large tree in the house by Sanford Hospital, and most recently the house on the Avera campu, she visited with families as they'd watch her paint. She remembers how one two-year-old really wanted to get involved. Randi brilliantly gave her a brush to let her stroke the walls, and fortunately, this completely satisfied her.  Randi's donation of her time was in honor of her brother-in-law, father of two sons, recognized on a plaque in memory of Lee Bratzel.

Randi began fourteen years ago with mural work after completing her Art degree and starting with her own family and friends. It's now been five years that her business, RKBrushworks, has been bringing her paintings, custom murals and canvases to a broader base of people. Her website http://www.rkbrushworks.com/ronald_mcdonald_house_murals features hundreds of paintings, and there is a page devoted to the murals and work Randi was a part of with the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more information about joining the 365 Giving Tree, please contact Cami Veire, Director of Donor and Family Relations by calling 336-6398, ext. 6 or contact her via email at donorrelations@ronaldmcdonaldsouthdakota.org

RK Brushworks also painted an ornament for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota. It's hung on the Christmas tree at the state capital in Pierre, South Dakota, perfect to wish our guests and supporters a Merry Christmas every year!