H.R. No. 84

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo is celebrating
	the 40th anniversary of its founding in 2023; and
	WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for the parents of hospitalized
	children to stay close during treatment, the first Ronald McDonald
	House was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1974; Ronald
	McDonald House Charities has since established more than 380 Ronald
	McDonald House programs around the world and provides more than
	2.2 million overnight stays each year, saving families some
	$611 million in lodging and meals; it has further expanded its
	services through its Family Rooms on site at hospitals as well as
	its Care Mobile programs, which provide essential medical and
	dental care to underserved communities; and
	WHEREAS, An independent, nonprofit charity, the Ronald
	McDonald House of Amarillo opened its doors in 1983; initially
	seeking to support families from the Texas Panhandle and
	surrounding area, the facility has also served families from nearby
	states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and those from
	as far away as Canada and Australia; and
	WHEREAS, In 2021, the original building was replaced with a
	new, state-of-the-art facility, which encompasses 12 guest suites
	with private bathrooms as well as a communal kitchen, a laundry
	room, and four play areas; families are welcome to stay for the
	length of their child's treatment, at no cost to them, and they can
	rest and recharge at the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the
	pediatric floor of Northwest Texas Healthcare System; they also
	receive help transitioning back to normal life when they return
	home; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to supporting the families residing at
	the house, the staff and volunteers of Ronald McDonald House
	Charities take toys to children at Northwest Texas Healthcare
	System and BSA Hospital; and
	WHEREAS, True to its mission, the Ronald McDonald House of
	Amarillo has made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of
	countless children and their families, and it is indeed a pleasure
	to honor the organization on this special milestone in its history;
	now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
	Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 40th
	anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo and extend to
	all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for
	continued success with their important work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for the Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo as an expression
	of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
	Price
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 84 was adopted by the House on
	November 1, 2023, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House