Ronald McDonald House Named Grand Marshal Of South Side Irish Parade

CHICAGO – Amid energetic, about-to-turn-two triplets exploring the community room at Smith Village, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announced the grand marshal and honoree for the beloved parade that steps off at noon Sunday, March 17 from 103rd and Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhood.

“We are delighted to announce this year’s Grand Marshal, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, who provide families with amazing respite and the resources they need as their children undergo complex medical care at area pediatric hospitals,” said Marianne Rowan Leslie, chair of the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
“We are inspired to have them lead our annual march down Western Avenue sharing the needs of so many families they serve.”

The first Ronald McDonald House in Chicago and the second in the world opened in 1977. Over the past 45 years, the charity has helped more than 150,000 families stay close to their hospitalized children through its six Ronald McDonald Houses and four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across the Chicagoland area.

Each program location provides support to families while their children are being treated at nearby hospitals through comfortable, private rooms so families can get a good night’s rest, fresh meals to return to after long days at the hospital, and so much more. In addition, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program provides medical services to children in underserved neighborhoods, offering health care treatment, vaccinations, and distributing backpacks with food and supplies.

Holly Buckendahl, CEO of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, said the invitation to lead the South Side Irish Parade came as a surprise.

“We were thrilled,” Buckendahl said. “We are honored to be recognized as the 2024 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal. Much like Ronald McDonald House, the parade is so deeply rooted in family and community, and we couldn’t imagine a better collaboration. Through our Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn, along with nine additional program locations throughout the Chicagoland area, we help families in our community get better together. We are so excited to be a part of this memorable community event.”

When Beverly residents Meaghan and David Jones’ triplets were born March 11, 2022, their boys – Jack, Joey and Jameson – the babies stayed in NICU for 11 days due to infections. Their parents lodged at Ronald McDonald House near Loyola Medical Center while the trio received life-saving medical care. The photogenic toddlers, along with big brother Bobby, 4, will be riding the grand marshal’s float in the parade.

For a limited time, RMHC-CNI is offering exclusive “Get Shamrock’d” themed yard sign kits for $125. When you purchase a kit, you’re not only showing your support for Ronald McDonald House and the South Side Irish Parade, you’re helping children and families get better together during their greatest time of need. For more information, visit Ronald McDonald House Chicago.

Celebrating its 100th year of caring for older adults, Smith Village, 113th Street and Western Avenue, was named parade honoree. The community originally opened in 1924 as Oakhaven Old People’s home, to provide a home where older adults could live out the remainder of their lives in dignity. In 1929, the estate of Emilie Smith gave $1.75 million to the community which was renamed Washington and Jane Smith Home to honor her parents.

From 1930 to 1960, the community has expanded four times to accommodate the growing need for senior care and housing. In 1991, the Smith Senior Living board of directors launched a $65 million redevelopment plan to create the first continuing care retirement community in the area offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehab. The community was renamed Smith Village to mark the transformation. Smith Village builds on a century of care for older adults, evolving to enhance daily life and offer residents the care they need. Smith Village is the first parade honoree to actually be located on the parade route.

Next up is the South Side Irish Parade pre-parade fundraiser Saturday, March 2. The party will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th Street, Marionette Park. Proceeds from the evening will help support the parade operating expenses. Tickets are $50 at the door. Admission includes a dinner buffet, draft beer and wine. Raffle prices, a silent auction, and the selection of the South Side Irish Parade Queen are also featured.