Page 8 - LRCC December 2023 FOCUS

MEMBER NEWS FOCUS MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2023

Battle for the Houses: A Friendly Rivalry for Good at

Ronald McDonald House Charities

By: Cionne Casanova, Kolt Communications, Inc

oday, X Duckett is a happy and healthy two- associated costs of these basic needs. Ronald McDonald
year-old who is busy keeping up with his older House Charities Mid-Michigan has served 150-250 families
siblings. However, two years ago, life took a annually for over 23 years.
Tdramatic turn for Todd Duckett, CEO of Duckett
Enterprises and former Michigan State University and NFL After X’s successful surgeries, the Ducketts wanted to
running back, and his wife Sara when their youngest son give back in a new way to support Ronald McDonald
X was born with severe congenital heart complications. House Charities. In partnership with RMHC Mid-Michigan
This required two open heart surgeries at U of M in his in Lansing and RMHC Ann Arbor, Todd and Sara helped
first year of life. During the longer hospital stays, Todd create the “Battle for the Houses” fundraiser.
and Sara stayed at the Ronald McDonald House close
to their son. The Ducketts, who have been longtime “The fundraiser came from an idea we had to help the
volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Charities Mid- Ronald McDonald Houses in Lansing and Ann Arbor
Michigan in Lansing (RMHC Mid-Michigan), are extremely centered around a friendly rivalry during the MSU vs. U
grateful to have had RMHC as a support network during of M football game week,” said Duckett. The fundraiser
their time of need. encouraged individuals, corporate partners and service
groups to help their respective Ronald McDonald
“RMHC Mid-Michigan operates an 8-bedroom House in House compete to raise the most funds and volunteer
downtown Lansing across the street from Sparrow Health hours by the end of the MSU v. U of M football game on
System. It’s a home away from home for families that October 21, 2023.
have hospitalized children. Everything you have in your
home, you’ll find at our Ronald McDonald House,” said As the fundraiser was in full swing the response was met
Carrolyn Hurst, Executive Director of RMHC Mid-Michigan. with huge support. Meijer joined as presenting sponsor,
“We offer private guest rooms and bathrooms, on-site Duckett Brothers Distributing, DIRECTV, Sparrow Health
laundry, full kitchen, hot homemade meals and more.” System, Tyson Foods, Fuel’d, Sweet Encounter Bakery,
MSU Federal Credit Union, State of Fitness, Pro Fireworks,
The House alleviates some of the stress that comes Martin Brower, North Peak Brewing, Coca-Cola, Dr.
with having a hospitalized child. Families do not have Pepper and BRD Printing all joined as corporate sponsors.
to worry about where they will stay, how to get to and Between both the Lansing and Ann Arbor chapters the
from the hospital, where to get snacks and meals or the fundraiser collectively raised over $100,000. Prevailing as

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