For the eighth year, residents of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) had a gridiron themed dinner. That’s because members of the Kansas City Chiefs were on hand to dish up some good food and fabulous cheer. The night has become a special one that’s eagerly anticipated for all involved. Spearheaded by C Rudy Niswanger and his wife, Patricia, nearly a dozen Chiefs were present to serve dinner at the House earlier this week.

“This is something that we enjoy getting to host each year,” Niswanger said. “Just to be here and put a smile on these families faces for a moment means a lot. So many of them are dealing with a lot of uncertainties in their lives. For us to come here, hand out a meal and sign some autographs, it’s just an easy way to give them some cheer.”

This potluck dinner has quickly become a Red and Gold tradition. It continues a partnership that has included several members of the organization throughout the years in capacities such as spokespersons and donors. Still, the evening was about much more than helping to feed the residents at the RMH.

In addition to the food, those players present interacted with the children at RMH. Signing autographs and doling out football advice, everyone in attendance seemed to have quite a cheery time.

For more than 25 years, the mission of Kansas City’s RMH has been to reduce the burden of childhood illness on children and their families. They serve nearly 2,100 children and their families in their Houses each year. Additionally, the RMH Family Room inside Children’s Mercy Hospital provides lodging for nearly 10,000 families and receives close to 38,000 visitors every year who need a place to relax, refresh and regroup, away from the hospital’s intense environment.

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