B-ROLL: $235,000 donated to RMH Houston for new playground after 2 Houston brothers start social media fundraiser

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lisa Estes, Chief Advancement Officer
PHONE: 713-412-4240
E-MAIL: lestes@rmhhouston.org

HOUSTON ATHLETES McKADE AND MAYBREY METTAUER RAISE $55K FOR NEW RONALD McDONALD HOUSE HOUSTON PLAYGROUND
Additional donations from surprise donors bring the total amount raised to $235,000

WHAT: On Thursday, January 6 2022, local athletes McKade and Mabrey Mettauer presented a check of $55,000 to Ronald McDonald House Houston (RMH Houston), dedicated toward the construction of a new, wheel-chair accessible playground for children staying at the House while receiving treatment in the Texas Medical Center.

“The Mattauer brothers are amazing,” said RMH Houston CEO Cristina Vetrano. “It is such an inspiration to see these two young men, who are busy with academics and training schedules, dedicate their time and energy to our families. They understand that a new playground will do more than help our families have fun. Studies show that play supports physical recovery and serves as an emotional outlet and a way of coping with illness. This new playground will truly change lives.”

This fall, the Mettauers leveraged their significant social media presence for their “Chip In” campaign, encouraging their followers to donate and help RMH Houston build a playground designed for the special needs of the children staying at the House. McKade—a three-year starting offensive lineman with Oklahoma University and an Earl Campbell/Tyler Rose Award nominee— and Mabrey— quarterback at The Woodlands High School and ranked the number one high school quarterback in Texas— were inspired in part by their father, a cardiovascular surgeon and the Chief of Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Woodlands.

“We put our experiences together – our understanding of how difficult a hospital stay can be and our involvement with fundraising – and decided to help Ronald McDonald House Houston,” said McKade Mettauer. “Our goal is to bring light to the lives of critically ill children and their families.”

“Every kid deserves to play,” said Mabrey Mettauer. “Children staying at Ronald McDonald House are seriously ill and spend their days in treatment; they don’t have as many opportunities to play as other kids do. Our friends and our social media network really stepped up for RMH Houston. We hope others are inspired to step up, as well, to raise the rest of what is needed for the playground. Together, we can ensure the kids at Ronald McDonald House Houston have a chance to truly be kids.”

On January 6, the Jerry C. Dearing Foundation announced their matching gift donation of $55,000 to the campaign. An additional $25,000 was donated by Lesha and Tom Elsenbrook, along with a $100,000 anonymous gift, bringing the total amount of funds raised to $235,000.
“We are so excited that our $550,000 campaign goal is within reach,” said Vetrano. “We hope to break ground this year.”
To donate to the construction of the new playground at Ronald McDonald House Houston, visit https://rmhhouston.org/donate/
WHERE: Ronald McDonald House Houston
1907 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030

WHEN: Thursday, January 6 2022 at 5 p.m.

B-ROLL: https://bit.ly/3F3EfHe

About Ronald McDonald House Houston: Founded in 1978, the mission of Ronald McDonald House Houston is to offer a home away from home providing care, compassion, and hope to families with seriously ill children being treated in Texas Medical Center (TMC) member institutions. Located in the 4th largest metro area in the United States and immersed in the largest medical center in the world, RMH Houston welcomes children and families at our flagship facility, Holcombe House, with 70 bedrooms, and Houses, Family Rooms, Lounges, and private bedrooms inside Texas Children’s Hospital, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Each location offers communal living areas, unlimited access to kitchens, meals, and snacks, laundry facilities, computer access, and plenty of quiet areas for hugs or high-fives.

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