Telling the Stories From Ronald McDonald House
Since 2007, CMA has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska to create moving fundraising videos for their annual fundraising galas. Often, these videos and fundraising galas are the biggest sources of funding for RMHC, making them critical for ensuring the group can continue to provide the important services they offer families with seriously ill children. The charity gives families a place to stay as their children undergo treatment, whether that occurs over a week or several months, and a home away from home, with hot meals, activities, and a sense of community. We’re proud to say our recent work help generate donations of $775,000 at the 25th Annual RMHC Gala. For us, creating the videos isn’t a job, but a privilege.
Every story is unique, and this subject matter is very sensitive and emotional. It is very important to have the families feel safe and comfortable to share their very personal experiences. One of the most significant components is being compassionate and empathic, placing ourselves, as best we can, into their shoes. The questions are often hard to ask, but harder to answer. We’ve all cried many times with these parents during the interview process. We play the role of both friend and reporter, wanting to console the participants as well as find the deeper truths so we can weave together a cohesive story during the editing process. These interviews, which normally last between 20 to 40 minutes, will eventually be condensed to three to six minutes when completed. Through our videos, we aim to engage with, and elicit emotion from, the audience, as well as inspire them to get involved by donating or volunteering.
It’s truly an honor to be invited into the lives of these families. Helping share these stories makes us remember to be grateful for our own families and health, especially as we’re able to relax and celebrate during the holiday season. We’re proud to use our creativity to do good and be able to give back to our community.