21st Annual Heart of the House Gala raises more than $400,000 for RMHC of Alabama mission

Supporters opened their hearts and raised $436,360 at the 21st Annual Heart of the House Gala, presented by Medical Properties Trust, to help keep sick children and families together and near the hospital! That equals 3,490 nights of free lodging, access to meals, social support and more at the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAB Women & Infants Center!

After enjoying a silent auction and seated dinner, guests were treated to a dynamic live auction that included a few bidding wars over items like a private dinner with Hot & Hot Fish Club Chef Chris Hastings and a private reserve bourbon package.

Special gala guests, the Brooks, are just one of the families who must travel hours from home for their child’s care and the Heart of the House Gala is a critical mission fundraiser to provide them with a comfortable place to stay near the hospital, free of charge.

The Brooks family was featured in a special video that premiered at the Gala. The moment was especially poignant because Camden, 3, was recovering from a sudden illness in the hospital. His family was able to stay by his side thanks to the ongoing support from donors! Thankfully, Camden’s family reports he is doing well and they are back at home.

RMHC of Alabama is grateful to our generous sponsors, gala committee, emcee Jeh Jeh Pruitt, auctioneer CKing Benefit Auctions, Nik Layman Photo Video, event volunteers, and vendors for their roles in making the event a success.

See all the photos from the event in our Flickr album!

2023 Heart of the House Gala Committee!
Chairs Jill & Bob Crawford • Co-Chairs Kathy & Jim Emison
Lisa Cook • Brooks Emory • Mary Grahovac • Patti Hagwood Allyson Harris • Cindy Hodo • Pete Hodo
Amy Johnstone • Emily McCain • Catherine Meehan • Doug Moore
Lisa Ramsay • Kit Roth • Marianne Sharbel • Elizabeth Smith • Karyn Uptain