Friendswood Development Company presented $30,000 to the Ronald McDonald House last week as part of the Lennar Focused Acts of Caring program.

It has been said that childhood is the most beautiful of life’s seasons, but for too many children, childhood means fighting life threatening illness, doctor visits, hospital stays and horrendous treatments that often the toughest adults could not endure.  Facing their own greatest fears, a number of parents and families of these brave children find comfort and support in Houston’s Ronald McDonald House- a home away from home for children undergoing treatment at the Texas Medical Center for cancer and other critical illness.

Founded and sustained on the strong support of volunteers and individual as well as corporate donations, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House is also very close to the hearts of the associates of Friendswood Development Company, who have for nearly 14 years, made it more than just a volunteer project, they have made it a part of their lives.

Each month a different team of Friendswood Development Company associates spend an afternoon at the facility, catering and serving lunch, playing games, making crafts and getting to know the kids and their families.

In addition to their regular visits, Friendswood Development Company associates coordinate, plan and attend a variety of special events that range from a summer carnival, 5k run, Spirit of Hope luncheon (FDC will be honored in 2020 for their support to the house), Boo Ball to a Christmas shopping spree at the store. Located on site, the store at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House has a variety of gifts – a number of which are purchased and donated by FDC associates - which enable the kids battling their illness to “shop” for parents and siblings during the holidays. The events have become a tradition that is as much anticipated by the associates as it is by the children and their families. The events are always uplifting to spirits and provide a well-deserved break for the children and their families - whether they can stay all afternoon or just a short time in between doctor visits and treatments.

To say that Houston’s Ronald McDonald House is a commitment for the associates of Friendswood Development Company is an understatement. Although it has become an important part of the company’s corporate culture it is truly a labor of love for the associates who realize the value of family and the importance of letting these children and their families know that they are not alone in their battle. These acts of caring, although important, are just a small way to provide some sense of normalcy, and hopefully for just a little while, an escape from the harsh reality that faces the kids and their families every day.

The associates of Friendswood Development Company will remain committed to this organization throughout this year and beyond. In addition to finding creative ways to adding to the positive atmosphere at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House, the associates
of Friendswood Development Company will also continue to bring attention to the facility and the importance of and need for volunteers and the ongoing support of the community.

And although the kids, families and staff at Houston’s Ronald McDonald House will be the first to talk about how much Friendswood Development Company is appreciated, it’s the associates who will say that they have received so much more for just being a part of this outstanding organization.