Ronald McDonald House Dinner Service

Register here to volunteer.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at 5 pm and will receive a tour before set-up at 5:30.  Dinner is served from 6-7.  Volunteers are welcome to eat with the families. The Bleu Duck will not only be providing the food for the meal but will also be sending volunteers. 

Information from Ronald McDonald House:

AGE REQUIREMENT

• All volunteers must be 13 years of age or older. For youth ages 13-16, we require adult supervision with one adult for every four youth. 

GROUP REQUIREMENTS

• Due to safety, size of the kitchen, the desire for all volunteers to have an involved role, and to not overwhelm children and families, the max number of volunteers is 15.
• Volunteers are welcome to assist families with carrying food/drinks to tables, clearing and washing tables, and with cleanup following dinner.
• Each volunteer is required to wear a dinner volunteer badge at all times while on-site. These badges are to be turned in at the Front Desk at the end of your time at the House. *If your group consists of more than 15 volunteers, please reach out to the Volunteer Director to inquire about possible additional volunteer opportunities available for the date of your dinner.

SERVING REQUIREMENTS

• The actual number of people attending a meal varies. Not all families can make it during meal time, but all greatly appreciate leftovers.
• Dinner is served from 6 – 7 p.m., typically open-buffet style with the host group serving children and families. *If your meal is ready at 5:30 p.m., we welcome you to begin serving early and continuing through to 7 p.m.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE POLICIES

• Be respectful and courteous to all Ronald McDonald House guest families, volunteers and staff.
• The Ronald McDonald House requires you to respect and uphold guest families’ right to privacy and confidentiality. Names, photos, and other identifying characteristics of guest families cannot be shared or distributed in any manner, including on social media.
• Limit photos to your group only. Due to confidentiality, photos of families may not be taken. Please share your dinner group photos with the House by emailing karnott@rmhmn.org or tagging the House on social media! (@RMHRochester on Facebook, @RMHMN on Twitter, @rmhmn on Instagram)
• All volunteers must remain in the Community Room and Kitchen area at all times, except when on a tour with a volunteer or staff member.
• Please sit and enjoy the meal with guest families. Most families love conversing with our volunteers! If families choose to share their story, we encourage you to be an active listener, with focus and validation on their journey.
• The Ronald McDonald House does not discriminate, nor does it condone any form of harassment, joking remarks, bullying or other abusive conduct. Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.
• Out of respect for the wide-ranging diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs held by guest families, promoting or sharing of personal religious beliefs is not permitted at the House. This includes engaging in prayer and other religious-based practices and celebrations in public areas.
• Daily activities hosted by the Ronald McDonald House are for guest families only. If interested in doing an activity with dinner, please consider doing a food-related activity such as a sundae bar, decorate a cookie, etc.
• The Ronald McDonald House is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility. Alcohol is not permitted in the House for consumption or for cooking purposes.
• Candles and latex balloons are not permitted.
• Community restitution and/or court-ordered volunteers are NOT allowed on the premises.

MEAL PREP AND MENU REQUIREMENTS

• The House has a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, and cookware. Please reference the kitchen supply list for more details. Gloves, hairnets, and all paper products are provided.
• Some items, including leftover milk and ingredients from previous dinners, are available. Contact the Volunteer Director regarding what items may be available to reduce the cost for your group.
• Meals must be prepared on-site in the House kitchen, catered in from a local restaurant, or prepared in a commercial kitchen and transported properly. The House cannot accept drop-offs of leftovers from another event or food prepared in your home or office kitchen.
• Notify the Volunteer Director what time you will arrive to begin food prep. As a guideline, most groups arrive at 4 p.m., pending menu needs.
• Food Safety Guidelines, such as proper handwashing, food temperature control and handling, and the like, must be observed at all times.
• Hands must be washed frequently and gloves must be worn at all times during food prep and serving; gloves must be changed out frequently, such as when working with a new food product, any time you touch a garbage can, etc.
• Hair must be tied back or hairnets used during food prep and serving.
• We encourage closed-toed shoes while in the kitchen.
• Appropriate, non-offensive clothing attire is required.

DAY OF THE MEAL

• If you have been exposed to any contagious diseases, have family members who are sick, or are sick yourself, please refrain from coming to the Ronald McDonald House to help keep the families and immunocompromised children safe.
• Limited parking is available in: 1) 3-hour lot, 2) along 9th Avenue and 3) RMH Tennant upper lot accessible from 9th Avenue.
• Check in at the Front Desk. You will be given a badge to wear and a staff member or House representative (Dinner Host) will be on-site to greet you, work with your group and provide a tour of the facility, if interested.