Rotary House Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International, a hotel dedicated exclusively to providing overnight accommodations and serving special needs of patients at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, celebrated 10 years of service last month.

“Our goal at the Rotary House is to provide our guests with hospitality and comfort during what is often the most painful and uncomfortable time in their lives,” said Debbie Bonafede, Rotary House International general manager.

Festivities included a social hour, ceremony and reception. Congratulatory remarks were offered by David Callender, M.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer at M.D. Anderson; Bill Teague, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center president and chief executive officer and past president of the Rotary Club of Houston; and Bob Pittinger, area general manager for the Marriott South Cluster Hotels in Houston.

Operated by Marriott Conference Centers, Rotary House was built to replace a converted apartment house owned by M.D. Anderson that rented units to long-stay chemotherapy patients. The Rotary House officially opened in 1993 as a 198-room facility, and now is comprised of 322 rooms, all specifically designed to cater to the needs of cancer patients.

A third-floor skywalk connects the hotel and cancer center, assuring patients an easy exchange between hotel and hospital.

The Cornerstone of the Rotary House

Jack Cunningham, the visionary behind Rotary House, was a man on a mission. Cunningham had an idea of bringing a patient housing facility to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and he was determined to make it a reality.

Family and friends say Cunningham perceived the Rotary House as an important tool in patient care – his mission was to facilitate the healing process by creating an atmosphere in which not only patients, but also their family members could stay comfortably.

“But, he didn’t want it called a hotel,” said Maxine Cunningham, Jack Cunningham’s widow. “It was much more than that to him.”

Cunningham’s vision began during his tenure as president of the Rotary Club of Houston from 1966 to 1967. Because part of the club’s mission is to provide humanitarian service, he was contacted by many patients who expressed a need for accommodations for themselves and their families during their often lengthy visits to M.D. Anderson. In response, Cunningham formed the Rotary Club Foundation, convinced other Rotarians of the need for such a facility, and began raising funds for its construction.

“He was all-consumed by the idea,” said Maxine. “He went to R. Lee Clark, president of M.D. Anderson at the time, and asked him if there was a need for such a facility, and Dr. Clark said, ‘It’s sorely needed.’ Well, that’s all Jack had to hear.”

Cunningham then began to raise funds by encouraging private philanthropy, as well as strongly suggesting that each Rotarian contribute to the mission.

Although Cunningham died in 1999, he saw his dream become reality when the Rotary House opened Feb. 14, 1993.

“Dad was a visionary in all aspects of life,” said Cunningham’s son, Bill. “We are so pleased that this vision came to fruition and that he got to see it.”

A plaque in Cunningham’s honor was recently unveiled as part of a luncheon at the Rotary House, celebrating Cunningham’s dedication and the Rotary House’s 10th anniversary.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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