ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Friday is BEE A Hero Day, the 37th annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home for families as their children receive medical care in Rochester.

News10NBC TODAY was live from the Ronald McDonald House on Westmoreland Drive covering how the charity has impacted families. The Ronald McDonald House supports families with free housing, meals, and emotional support, just blocks away from Golisano Children’s Hospital. It has 24 guest rooms, gardens, and a kitchen.

“We wrap our arms around the family as they come to us while their children are receiving state-of-the-art pediatric care,” said Joanne Ryan, president of The Ronald McDonald House.

The goal is to raise over $50,000. To donate, call 585-559-HERO (4376). Lines are open through 7 p.m. on Friday. You can donate now online here or by texting HERO to 844-211-5414.

Cheerleaders from Penfield High School helped to answer phones in the afternoon, and are even having a competition amongst themselves to see who can raise the most money.

Dan Milgate a former board member at The Ronald McDonald House, had volunteered at the charity for years, never imagining that one day he would be a guest there when his son was born with a hole in his lung. Milgate said The Ronald McDonald House helped him to focus on his son’s health as he was in the NICU unit.

“It was really great and eye opening because I never was a part of that. I just always raised money or volunteered to help support that,” he said.

Last year, the donations helped to renovate the laundry room for the house. In early 2025, the charity plans to launch an enhanced telehealth program, called House To Home, for families with chronic medical conditions.

“These are the top 1% of children who use 30% of pediatric health care resources because they often have chronic conditions, multi-organ conditions, or they rely on life-saving equipment,” said Carolyn Birrittella, vice president of development and communications at the Ronald McDonald House. “It’s very hard to transport them to care and they’re often missing really important medical appointments.”

The Ronald McDonald House won’t just provide telehealth but also a hot meal and wellness screenings.

News10NBC is partnering with radio station 92.5 WBEE for BEE A Hero Day. In addition to donating, you can also participate in an online auction that’s open now through Friday at 6 p.m. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Ronald McDonald House.