CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — A Charlotte couple who was heavily involved in the very beginnings of the national Ronald McDonald House program also is being credited for their effort for the new Charlotte Ronald McDonald House.
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Ann Baum was the first corporate coordinator of the Ronald McDonald House program and her husband, Ed, spearheaded one of the first Ronald McDonald houses to open in the Chicago area in 1974.
SLIDESHOW: Charlotte Ronald McDonald House Topping Out Ceremony
Since moving to Charlotte, the Baums saw there were more children with serious illnesses being referred to Charlotte and with it, a growing need for a Ronald McDonald House here.
"We really feel like we're part of Charlotte and to be able to help bring something like this that wasn't here before is really an honor," said Ed Baum.
The $9 million Charlotte Ronald McDonald House is set to open on Friday and will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. The home is located at 1613 E Morehead Street.
Previous Stories: April 22, 2011: Family Focus: Ronald McDonald House Almost Ready To Open