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t m c » p u l s e | j u n e 2 0 1 5 24 Star for a Day Ronald McDonald House Houston, in partnership with Magnolia Hotels and local vendors, treats residents to a relaxing day of pampering and fun Head Clown Ronald McDonald serves as ringmaster during the evening's circus-themed extravaganza. 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. — JOHN REMMERS Vice President of Stout Street Hospitality and Magnolia Hotels O n April 20, Ronald McDonald House Houston broke all the rules. Renowned as a comfortable and safe "home away from home" for families with children in need of care in the Texas Medical Center, the 50-bedroom House had been transformed into a five-star hotel, spa and circus show. Parents stood in line waiting for massages and haircuts while their two-legged zebras and tigers ran back and forth to the milk and cookies bar, everyone thankful for a much-needed day of leisure. The annual event, known as Five Star Day, is made possible through a partnership between Ronald McDonald House Houston, Magnolia Hotel Group, and local vendors who generously donate their time and services. "These families go through so much, and we just wanted to give them a day where they could relax and feel like guests at a five-star hotel," explained Leslie Bourne, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Houston. "Moms and dads in this situation never think of themselves, and we found they are so grateful for something as simple as a haircut or eye- brow wax—it makes you think about how much more we can do." "It really is such a treat—it's been nine months since I've had my eyebrows done!" exclaimed Kasie Jankovsky. She and her family traveled from Arkansas to Houston so her seven-month-old could be treated for congenital heart disease at Texas Children's Hospital. They have been residents at Ronald McDonald House Houston for nine months, and between appointments, procedures and taking care of her two other kids, Jankovsky's life is anything but calm. "We're very thankful for today." In just its second year, the day began with room service for families who had early-morning hospital appointments and a brunch buffet for those with more flexible schedules. The "spa" opened mid-morning, offering a full range of services including massages, makeup applications, makeovers, haircuts and barber cuts, straight razor shaves, shampoo and blow-outs, brow maintenance, satin hands treatment and aroma- therapy. The younger crowd enjoyed playing video B y A l e x a n d r a B e c k e r