The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas recently revealed that the 2023 Chocolate Fantasy Ball broke all previous records by raising over $730,000 to provide families with places to stay at the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room.
“This was a great way to cap off the 20th Anniversary of this event,” said Janell Mason, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas CEO. “I am beyond grateful to everyone who continues to support families in this way. After a hard day for our community less than 24 hours before the event, I am thankful that so many who were able to join us and support families of critically ill children.”
The event, which took place on April 1 at the Statehouse Convention Center, was sold out in February. 780 chocolate lovers attended and were able to indulge in more than 8,000 pieces of chocolate from over 35 donors, followed by a seated dinner, live auction, a story from a featured family, and live music from Dial Up. The 2023 Honoree was R. Whit Hall, M.D., Neonatologist with UAMS. Hall was an integral part of beginning the event as well as the building of the current House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAMS.
In honor of the gala’s 20th anniversary, the Arkansas Federal Credit Union offered a $40,000 match, but generously upped it to $50,000 during the Share a Night portion of the evening. Share A Night allows patrons to sponsor a night for a family, and this year’s donations have provided 1,550 nights, helping families to stay together with their critically ill children.
READ ALSO: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES TORNADO RESPONSE RESOURCES WEBSITE
