When a child is in the hospital, life for their family can feel like it’s on pause; Schedules change, routines shift, and stress runs high. That’s why the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana (RMHCSLA) works tirelessly to provide not only a home away from home, but also a sense of normalcy for families during their most difficult days.

This summer, that mission received a major boost. DonahueFavret Contractors, through its Driving FORE Charity Fund, donated $10,000 to help build playground equipment at the Ronald McDonald House located on the Manning Family Children’s campus. The new addition will give children staying at the House a chance to do something all kids deserve: play.

“We are beyond grateful for DonahueFavret’s generous gift,” says Grace McIntosh, CEO at RMHCSLA. “We cannot thank them enough for supporting our mission to keep families close to the medical care their child needs and for giving them a space to play.”

For families who must travel far from home while their child undergoes treatment, the Ronald McDonald House is a lifeline. The 17,500-square-foot New Orleans facility offers 22 guest suites, a communal dining room, outdoor space, and cozy nooks for rest and reflection. In 2024 alone, the House welcomed over 240 families and recorded more than 4,100 hours of volunteer service—all at no cost to the families served.

“At DonahueFavret, giving back is a core part of who we are, and our philanthropy allows us to directly support organizations that make a tangible difference for families in our community,” adds John Donahue, President & CEO of DonahueFavret Contractors. “The Ronald McDonald House provides a vital space for healing and togetherness, and we’re proud that this gift will help bring joy and comfort to children through something as simple as play.”

Since opening its doors in 1983, RMHCSLA has supported more than 40,000 families from Louisiana and beyond. And now, with the help of community partners like DonahueFavret, the House is adding another chapter to that story, one where children can run, climb, and laugh, even in the midst of hardship. Because sometimes, healing comes not only from medicine, but from the comfort of family and the freedom of play.