“I’m lovin’ it,” the famous slogan from McDonald’s is exactly how a Dallas Can employee feels about the man behind McDonald’s, Ronald himself. Bessye Adams, director of financial operations at Texans Can Academies, recently celebrated her birthday volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Accompanied by eight of her fellow financial department members, Bessye and her co-workers cooked and served lunch for about 50 people to celebrate her special day.
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) is the only nonprofit organization that provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury at a Dallas area hospital. In an effort to lessen the burden, reduce stress, keep the family intact, and enhance the quality of life for these families, RMHD provides temporary housing in a caring home-like atmosphere. Bessye feels a strong connection with families whose children are hospitalized.
When asked how it was to spend her afternoon at RMHD, Bessye simply responded, “I was honored to serve them, grateful for having a supportive boss and compassionate coworkers, and especially blessed to work for an organization that believes in helping children.”
Just like the Ronald McDonald House program, Bessye believes that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child. They shouldn’t need to also worry about where they can afford to stay, where and when they will have their next meal, or where they will lay their head at night to rest.
Bessye was introduced to RMHD through her daughter, who has been on the organization’s teen team for the past two years. During her birthday afternoon, Bessye and her friends spent almost four hours prepping, cooking, and serving meals to the families who were living there. They were then given a tour of the facilities and had the opportunity to meet one of the international families staying at the home, whose child was having a lung transplant.
Bessye and several of her co-workers in the Texans Can Academies finance department thought it was the best birthday celebration they have ever attended. Plans are being made for other volunteer opportunities with their department.