Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities welcomed three experienced fundraisers during the COVID-19 pandemic to lead special events strategic partnerships and individual giving. All joined since March 2020.

Stephanie Block

Stephanie Block, a graduate of Bradley University and American University, leads our special events and community engagement team and has worked to reimagine our signature events during the pandemic, which meant taking them virtual. “The opportunity to engage with stakeholders across Atlanta and beyond is exciting,” Stephanie says, “also, this position has afforded me the opportunity to be entrepreneurial in planning and executing events during a global pandemic.”

Courtney Ferencik

For Courtney Ferencik, a graduate of the University of Alabama, driving strategy and forging partnerships with our Corporate Champions and other partners excites her. “I am most excited to see the impact of my work in a more personal way. I loved my time in higher education but seeing the families who benefit from our work is hugely rewarding and motivating.”

Shan Hayes

Shan Hayes, who graduated from the University of Georgia, says she is excited about our strategic plan. “I am excited about the direction the Charity is moving toward,” she says. “I am confident we will see continued growth over the years, which will allow us to serve even more children and families than we ever have before.”

Shan wishes others knew how much of a positive impact Atlanta RMHC has on the lives of the people we serve. “It is so inspiring for me to hear the stories of the families who once needed our services, who come back and donate their time or money to pay it forward, or even those who become employees of Atlanta RMHC,” she says. “It goes to show the Charity is really leaving a lasting, good impression on the people we encounter.”

Stephanie concurs and adds that she wishes others knew “how many supporters, partners, and volunteers we rely on to operate and serve our families.”

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is so much more than just a place to stay, Courtney says.

“Providing families with shelter, meals, activities, support, and peace of mind so that all the caretaker’s focus can be on the ill or injured child does so much to support and sustain families when they need it most,” Courtney says. “Also, our Ronald McDonald Family Room at Scottish Rite and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile are wonderful ways we support and provide for families in the community who may never even set foot in the doors of one of our Houses.”