As the Quinnipiac University women’s ice hockey team continues to make an impact on the ice, the squad is making big impressions off of it. That’s because the players and coaches recently teamed up with the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven to begin a long-term relationship with the charity organization.

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1974, and there are now 284 Ronald McDonald Houses in 52 countries and regions. According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities web site, the mission of the house is to “offer families a way to stay together, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay.”

The women's ice hockey team recently started a long-term relationship with the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven.

When first-year head coach Rick Seeley came to Quinnipiac, he lived near the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven and began forming a strong relationship with the house. He saw the organization as a great way for his team to give back to the community.

“The Ronald McDonald House gave me a genuine sense that all the funds go directly to people who need it,” Seeley said. “Everyone was brought there because of something traumatic in a family member’s life. They need help to be able to stay near a loved one and this seemed like a great opportunity for our team.”

The women’s ice hockey team is no stranger to community service, as it is often one of Quinnipiac’s most involved teams. The players visited Nathan Hale Elementary in New Haven, Conn., around the Thanksgiving holiday and read to the school’s kindergarten classes as part of the university’s Positive Play initiative that was put in place to encourage community involvement by student-athletes. 

Although the team’s relationship with the Ronald McDonald House may be in its infancy, the players are already making a significant impact on the lives of those staying there. Before the university’s winter break the team donated food to the Ronald McDonald House and prepared a meal for all of its guests. Seeley hopes to continue this once or twice a month.

Janet Hanscom, director of house operations for the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven, says food donations are helpful to those staying in the house.

“Having people come in and prepare meals for the families is one of the best ways to benefit everyone,” Hanscom said. “They already have so much to deal with it’s great they can forget about how they’re going to eat for a night.” 

The team prepared a meal for the house before winter break.

The women’s hockey team has also formed a relationship with the North Haven Holiday Inn that will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. When opposing teams, groups or other visitors book rooms at the hotel and use a special code, the Holiday Inn will donate $5 per night, per room to the Ronald McDonald House.

Jennifer Cretella, regional director of sales, says the idea came to fruition after speaking with Seeley.

“After I initially contacted Coach Seeley about working with the team for incoming needs with recruiting, opposing teams, etc., we talked about coming together for a fundraising event,” Cretella said. “This is the first time we’ve hooked up with Quinnipiac and we’re very exciting about giving back to the local community. This is just one of the ways we can give back and show that we take pride in the communities where we work.”

Hanscom says there are many ways for groups and individuals to volunteer or donate to the Ronald McDonald House. The House’s web site (see below) is continually updated with a wish list that usually includes items as office supplies and grocery gift cards. She says having the team involved will encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

“The women’s players have become champions to our cause,” Hanscom said. “They’re wonderful at spreading the word at a local level and the university. Their friends and families then become involved and it just grows from there.”

Please click the links to learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut.

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