In the fall of 2024, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region celebrated its 50th anniversary. As the very first Ronald McDonald House, founded in Philadelphia in 1974, it has become a symbol of hope for millions of families with children receiving critical medical care across the world. It's story of compassion, community, and what Jim Murray – co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House and former Philadelphia Eagles General Manager - fondly calls a "McMiracle."
The Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia owes its inception to a compelling collaboration between Jim Murray, Dr. Audrey Evans, the Philadelphia Eagles, and McDonald’s.
Murray’s journey began when he became involved to support Kim Hill, the daughter of Eagles player Fred Hill. Kim had been diagnosed with leukemia. A fundraiser was held which became the precursor to the charity Eagles Fly for Leukemia.
Murray knew something more had to be done. A conversation with Dr. Audrey Evans set the wheels in motion.
Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneering oncologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, recognized a desperate need for families traveling to the hospital for their children's cancer treatment to have a place to stay. At the time, families were often forced to sleep in waiting rooms, cars, or even hallways, unsure where they could find rest while their children received life-saving treatments.
"We were raising money to take care of people who had needs, and they had more than needs—they needed a place to stay,” Murray recalls. In the momentous conversation, he said to Dr. Evans, “Doc, you’re in Philly! We’re all about the neighborhood. What you need is a house!” and she replied, “Then get us a house!” The concept of the Ronald McDonald House was born. It was a simple idea, but it changed the world. "I didn't start it; God did," Murray reflected.
Murray was tasked with making the money happen. With the generosity of Leonard Tose, the then-owner of the Eagles, Murray was given great support and funding opportunities. Tose supported Murray’s unique idea of passing a football helmet around Veterans Stadium to collect donations. Jim laughs, "People said, ‘They’ll take the money out,’ but I told them, ‘You don’t know Philly.’ Nobody took a dime; they just kept putting money in." The funding was designed for the Eagles Fly for Leukemia, which was crucial to the team developing the House. Much gratitude to Stan Lane, the co-founder of the Eagles Fly for Leukemia.
The next step was the partnership with McDonald’s through a connection with Don Tuckerman of the Elkman Advertising Group and the great relationship the Eagles had with McDonald’s. Murray had been involved with the fundraising initiative for the Eagles Fly for Leukemia through the sale of Shamrock Shakes. One of Don’s accounts was the McDonald’s Corporation.
Murray first pitched, “If I get quarterback Roman Gabriel to do a commercial for Shamrock Shakes, could you give me a quarter for each shake?” With the agreement of the local McDonald’s operators, the response was, “If you call the house the 'Ronald McDonald House,' you can have all the profits.” Murray said, "it all evolved into a McMiracle." The impact was immediate and far-reaching.
The first House opened its doors in West Philadelphia and welcomed families from around the world. "The best part was we put them all together, not only in the House but gave them a chance to eat meals together, tell stories, and be a family," Murray explained. It wasn’t just about providing shelter; it was about creating a community of hope.
Today, there are 390 Ronald McDonald Houses in more than 62 countries, each one offering a space for families to rest and recharge while their children undergo medical treatment. The House in Philadelphia, however, will always be special. As Jim Murray’s son, Jimmy Joe Murray, spoke at the 50th Anniversary Reception on September 25, 2024, “It’s a great Philadelphia story that started here and we’re the birthplace of a charity that now helps literally millions of people all over the world.”
The 50th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia is not simply a celebration of a building or even a charity—it’s a reflection of the power of community, compassion, and a shared belief that when we come together, miracles happen.
Susan Campbell, CEO of RMHC Philadelphia, reflected on the organization, “Jimmy has a huge heart and always mentions the importance of neighbors helping neighbors. Every day, we are inspired by him, as we continue to build on his legacy... When I see a child smiling or playing at the Ronald McDonald House after a long day at the hospital, I am reminded that we are bringing a bit of normalcy to that child’s family. Every day, I am thankful and motivated to provide comfort to families during the most challenging times of their lives.”
Murray continues to be humbled by the impact of the House. “When somebody has a sick kid, they want to help,” he said. “And this was the perfect way.”
As we look back on 50 years of the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, it’s clear that this charity was built on the foundation of generosity and love. What started as a simple idea has grown into a global network of hope, supporting millions of families when they need it most.
For Jim Murray, the real miracle is in the families who have found strength within the walls of the House. "I see miracles every day," he said, his voice filled with emotion. And that’s what the Ronald McDonald House will continue to be for generations to come—a house of miracles.
You can read the entire story in the book Life Is An Audible, The Jim Murray Story. lifeisanaudible.org
Please visit rmhcphilly.org to donate or volunteer.