CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — One by one, dozens of donated appliances were moved into the 35,000-square-foot Ronald McDonald House on Tuesday.
"Washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers -- we've even got some LCD TVs, as well," said Plaza Appliance Mart spokesman Bill Pleasants Jr.
Plaza Appliance Mart donated, delivered and installed 47 new appliances and electronics worth $60,000 in the facility, which will provide housing for out-of-town sick children who are receiving treatment in Charlotte and their families.
Donated Appliances:
• Four side-by-side refrigerators • 10 under-the-counter refrigerators • Four microwaves • Two upright freezers • Seven sets of washers and dryers • Four GE slide-in gas ranges • Four dishwashers • Four 47-inch LCD televisions • One outdoor gas grill
The May opening of the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be the culmination of a two-year fundraiser. The facility, which has 22 suites and six additional bedrooms, relies heavily on donations.
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"Our capital campaign goal was $9 million to build this house, upfit it and operate it," spokeswoman Mona Gibson-Johnson said. "So we're counting our money right now, but I think we're there."
Although the fundraising goal has been reached, operating the facility is expected to cost more than $500,000 a year. Organizers said fundraising will be an ongoing mission.
"The whole region has just been very good to the Ronald McDonald House and I think most people can relate to that," Gibson-Johnson said. "They could have a child in crisis and need to go to another town. And where would you go?"
The Ronald McDonald House will hold its grand opening on May 6. Families will begin moving in on May 9. For more information, click here.