It may be time for “Back to School”, but tis also the season to purchase your personalized railcar for The Trains at NorthPark 2019 benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD). Once again presented by Bank of Texas, The Trains at NorthPark will return Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, for a seven-week run through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020. In a brand-new space at NorthPark, the 2019 Season of The Trains has a bigger fundraising goal than ever as the House begins serving 50% more families each year once the new wing opens in Fall 2019.
Annually, hundreds of customized railcars, engines, and cabooses hit the tracks in support of the House. Options for 2019 include a standard railcar for $200, a caboose for $250, a special edition cherry red baggage car for $300, or an engine for $350. While supporters can buy railcars throughout The Trains at NorthPark season, the deadline to purchase in time to have a car on the tracks for opening is October 15.
“Not only was 2019 a record-breaking for The Trains at NorthPark, but it was also followed this year by the House expanding to accommodate many more families,” said Jill Cumnock, Chief Executive Officer of RMHD. “Last holiday season, the Trains surpassed our revenue goal, which allowed us to provide more than 4,000-night-stays for the patients and their families that we serve. Now, with 30 more rooms, we’re hoping to make The Trains go even further for RMHD. We can’t pull off The Trains without all our wonderful supporters who sponsor the event or purchase a railcar each season – I am especially grateful to our 2019 Chairs, Lindy Berkley and Jill Harvey and our long-time supporter and 2019 Honorary Chair, Sandra Estess for their hard work and dedication in preparing for the season to come.”
The Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with more than 700 railcars featuring the corporations, organizations, families, and individuals who make the attraction possible. Since its launch in 1987, The Trains have helped raise more than $13 million for RMHD and has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors to Dallas’ favorite shopping destination each year.
With 1,600-foot of tracks, The Trains at NorthPark will feature cityscapes like Dallas, with landmarks like the Nasher Sculpture Center and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Other highlights will include New England’s fall foliage, the Grand Canyon, Garden of the Gods, and Route 66.
Those interested in supporting The Trains at NorthPark by purchasing a railcar, as a sponsor or volunteer can visitwww.thetrainsatnorthpark.com or contact Kathlyn McGuill atkmcguill@rmhdallas.org.
ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS
Established in 1981, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 38,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, please contact Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.