The Max Cooper Society was founded to honor Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama’s late co-founder, Max Cooper. Max was instrumental in bringing the charity to Birmingham in 1979 and since that time there was never a time when he didn’t ask if there was anything any of our families needed, and what specifically he could do for them. We will always remember him as we often saw him — with a smile and a sparkle in his eye.
The Max Cooper Society was started in his honor to recognize those who actively support the House and Family Room. Individuals become a member by  contributing at least $2,500 annually to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.
In its first year, we are proud to announce our 28 inaugural Max Cooper Society members:
- Mrs. Kathy Baggio
- Ms. Katherine Estes Billmeier
- Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bugg
- Dr. and Mrs. Robert Castleberry
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Clark
- Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Cohen
- Mr. and Mrs. Bob Crawford
- Mr. and Mrs. Jordan DeMoss
- Mr. and Mrs. Samuel DiPiazza
- Mr. and Mrs. Denson Franklin, III.
- Mr. and Mrs. Sims Garrison
- Mr. and Mrs. Rick Hanna, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Javier Hernandez
- Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Logan
- Ms. Lori Moler
- Mr. Santiago Negre
- Mr. and Mrs. Randall Nichols
- Mr. and Mrs. Whitney Oswalt
- Mr. and Mrs. Andy Peters
- Mr. and Mrs. William Puckett, II.
- Mr. and Mrs. James Robertson
- Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Robson
- Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sharbel
- Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Smith, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Jason Stein
- Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Sweatt
- Mr. Larry D. Thornton, Sr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Velezis
We cannot thank these members enough as not only are they supporting the mission of keeping families with sick or injured children together, but they are helping us celebrate the life of our beloved Max Cooper.
This year at our Holiday Party, we honored each of these inaugural members while remembering Max and his legacy. There are several benefits to becoming a member — one of which is a work of art made specifically for the Max Cooper Society.  During the party, we presented each member with a piece of pottery from a local artist, Tena Payne of EarthBorne Pottery. These custom made plates with a 2015 Max Cooper Society Stamp on the back will forever be a keepsake of the society’s inaugural year. You can watch the presentation below.
We will always be grateful to Max and are happy to continue to celebrate his life.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Max Cooper Society, you can learn more online or contact Kathy Robson, Director of Development (and a Max Cooper Society member herself) at 205-638-7258 or by email at [email protected].
