January Heartbeat: Celebrating 50 Years of Shamrock Shake

This February will mark the 50th anniversary of the Shamrock Shake and McDonald’s is “shaking things up.” They will be introducing the Shamrock Oreo McFlurry in addition to the traditional Shamrock Shake to commemorate the occasion!

Be sure to grab the Shamrock Oreo McFlurry or the Shamrock Shake at participating McDonald’s restaurants starting February 10th. Don’t forget, a portion of the proceeds from each Shamrock Shake and McFlurry sold will support Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina and our seven local Houses.

Be sure to #ShowUsYourGreen on social media and encourage friends and family to Shamrock “Shake-it up” in support of RMHC of NC! 

Sebastian was born the week before Valentine’s Day with multiple heart defects. As an infant, doctors sent Sebastian to Duke for treatment. His family lived 90 miles from the hospital, and they didn’t know how they could stay close during his first, tenuous months of life. That’s where you and Ronald McDonald House stepped in.

Sebastian’s mom, Cassidy Morris said, “We’re so thankful for the Ronald McDonald House of Durham. We stayed for four months consecutively and then about once a month every month after that. We live almost 2 hours away, and we wouldn’t have been able to be there every day if it weren’t for you. Sebastian was born with several heart defects. Thank you, RMH friends and supporters for all you have done for us!”

Sebastian will turn three-years-old on February 6th and is continuing to thrive. He and his family returned to the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and Wake over the holidays to deliver wish-list items. The House is thankful for this special boy and his amazing family! Happy birthday, Sebastian!

The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill recently celebrated the life of Nidia Scharlock, a Ronald McDonald House volunteer of 31 years. Nidia lived an inspiring life, with family and service at the forefront. Nidia became famous in the Chapel Hill community for her work with the UNC Children’s Sock Monkey Group, individually constructing more than 1,500 sock monkeys to comfort children as they undergo complex medical treatments. 

As one of the founding volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, Nidia encountered hundreds of families, always with empathy and a smile. She consistently showed her genuine compassion for the families by listening to their stories and sharing her support through hugs and meaningful conversations.

Though no one knew it at the time, Nidia left a beautiful last gift for all the families of the Ronald McDonald House. “I have just completed my chain of smiling monkeys, representing all the mamas and papas with 7 red or blue children all holding hands and Miss B & Miss N, their grandmas. I am glad to turn them over to their new home. With lots of love from my heart to yours, from Nidia.” 

January 28th: The Sport a Shirt t-shirt design will be shared on January 28th! Become a team captain and register your team for this year’s Sport a Shirt by visiting your local House’s website or Facebook page.

January 29th: Delicious pizza that supports the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern NC? Sign us up! Commit to eat at Mellow Mushroom in Greenville on Wednesday, January 29th by clicking here.

February 9th: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Family Reunion at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and Wake. Reserve your spot by February 5th. For more information, click here.

February 8th-16th: Organizations across the Triangle, join us for a week of fun to raise support and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill! Gather your friends, team, family, coworkers, etc. and show how much you love the House! To find out more information, click here.

January-March 31st: Support the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte by *rolling* into The Cowfish or eeZ Fusion for “The Roll that Love Built” – a chef created roll that benefits the House!

March 21st: Save the date for a beautiful evening at The Cloth Mill for the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill’s “Carolina Love Gala”. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. 

Throughout the Year: Don’t forget to Round-Up to support RMHC of NC and your local Houses when dining at McDonald’s! It’s as easy as the click of a button and every cent counts!