The Los Angeles Post

Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Unite to Bring Sustainability to Landmark Campus

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Sun Club® grant funds solar array, garden and sculpture in the latest expansion at the first Ronald McDonald House

PHILADELPHIA, May 9, 2019 /3BL Media/ – Leaders and staff from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club joined the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House to commemorate Sun Club-funded sustainability projects at the non-profit, including the unveiling of a 5-foot-solar-powered sculpture in a new orchard today. The sculpture, orchard, and an accompanying 125 kilowatt solar array, are additions to the Philadelphia campus made possible through a grant worth more than $315,000 from the Sun Club.

“We are thankful to the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club for supporting our efforts to expand so that we can help more families of seriously ill children during the most difficult time in their lives,” said Susan Campbell, CEO of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. “The Sun Club grant will enrich the caring and compassionate atmosphere we aim to provide families that stay with us. With the Sun Club’s contribution, we can proudly offer a bountiful orchard with an herb garden and a sculpture for our guests to enjoy, while incorporating renewable energy to reduce our environmental impact.”

With two houses in Philadelphia, the Ronald McDonald House supports families of seriously ill children by providing temporary accommodations, transportation, meals, and additional services for those seeking care in Philadelphia, a leading city for pediatric care. The Chestnut Street House is the first of over 365 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide and is currently undergoing an expansion project that will add a 93,000-square-foot, 104-bedroom tower that will more than double the number of families that can stay at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

As part of the expansion project, the Sun Club grant will fund an appealing and interactive outdoor orchard space for families to utilize during their stay featuring fruit trees that will provide the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House with access to local, fresh, and healthy food. It also funded a 5-foot solar-powered sculpture, created and installed by Philadelphia-based artist Meei-Ling Ng, made from recycled materials. The solar array will provide a portion of the energy needed to power the new tower.

“The Sun Club seeks to empower the local community with sustainability solutions, and we see this as building a model for sustainability for nonprofits and businesses across the region,” said Mark Parsons, vice-president and general manager for Green Mountain Energy. “When sustainability contributes to making an impact on children and their families, it’s a win-win for all involved.”

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House will mark the completion of the expansion project on May 15 with a formal ceremony.