Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/519582
t m c » p u l s e | j u n e 2 0 1 5 25 games in a state-of-the-art gaming truck, a milk and cookie reception modeled after Magnolia Hotels' daily afternoon tradition, and a princess party offering eye-shadow application, multi-colored nail-painting, crafts and party favors. The children present were also encouraged to get their faces painted as zoo animals or princesses in preparation for the evening's big, circus-themed extravaganza. Dubbed "Under the Big Top, YOU are a Star," the atrium had been transformed into a circus tent for the show, each dining table boasting an expert arrange- ment of balloons, popcorn, streamers and other good- ies. The gourmet buffet—with dishes ranging from blackened redfish Pontchartrain to mini cheeseburg- ers—offered festival-themed desserts, including jumbo pretzels, funnel cakes, donut holes, cotton candy and cheesecake lollipops. Families gathered in front of a larger-than-life balloon sculpture for professional pic- tures before entering the tent—many of them dressed in their best outfits to accompany their fresh hair and makeup. Even Mogie, the beloved Labradoodle house mascot, wore one of his sequined bow ties for the special occasion. Because no circus is complete without a clown, Ronald McDonald himself was in attendance, serving as ringmaster for the main event. One by one he called the children up to the stage after dinner: the prin- cesses twirled, the tigers jumped through hoops, and the zebras pranced around, following whatever orders the ringmaster gave. At the end of the performance, each participant earned a certificate verifying their completion of Clown College as well as their very own red nose. "Our goal here at Ronald McDonald House is to care for the entire family, and the circus really encom- passes that theme as we worked to include everyone in the show," said Matt Woodard, director of operations at Ronald McDonald House Houston. "Really it's the theme of the whole day, to take our commitment to the next level and give our families a day of pampering that they truly deserve." Bourne emphasized that none of it would be possible without the generosity of the local vendors involved, especially Magnolia Hotels. In addition to catering the food throughout the day, their housekeep- ing staff cleaned all 50 rooms for the families. "All of their goods and services are donated to us," said Bourne. "Their executive chef was here all day providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the general manager for the hotel was here, too—he even brought an additional check, a financial gift, on top of every- thing. They really went above and beyond." John Remmers, vice president of Stout Street Hospitality and Magnolia Hotels, explained that the organization was honored to host the event. "It just touches your heart, and the smiles we see on these families' faces are worth every penny." In fact, after the success of Five Star Day last year, Magnolia Hotels is working to replicate the service at other Ronald McDonald House chapters throughout the country. "We as a company just started thinking: how can we do more? Everyone on staff enjoys it and wants to be involved—we're proud to provide this special day for these families," said Remmers. In addition to hosting Five Star Day at the Holcombe House location, the organization offered many of the same services at the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital, including catered brunch and dinner as well as spa services and a family yoga session. "Ronald McDonald House was established in 1981 to provide families dealing with the worst imagin- able crisis—a critically ill child—a comfortable and safe place to stay here in Houston," said Bourne. "Today we are carrying on that tradition with everything we do, and events like Five Star Day are just little ways we can make this time as comfortable and as positive as possible for these families." Ronald McDonald House was established in 1981 to provide families dealing with the worst imaginable crisis—a critically ill child—a comfortable and safe place to stay here in Houston. Today we are carrying on that tradition with everything we do, and events like Five Star Day are just little ways we can make this time as comfortable and as positive as possible for these families. — LESLIE BOURNE Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Houston Patients and their families enjoy a day of pampering and entertainment during Ronald McDonald House Houston's 2nd Annual Five Star Day, made possible through a partnership between Ronald McDonald House Houston, the Magnolia Hotel Group and local vendors and volunteers.