Thanks to your incredible generosity, $469,535 was raised for RMHC of Alabama’s mission at the 22nd Annual Heart of the House Gala, presented by Medical Properties Trust!
Your support helps keep sick children and their families together, and close to the care they need.
With the help of attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, RMHC of Alabama will be able to provide 3,756 additional nights of free lodging, access to meals, social support, and more at the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAB Women & Infants Center. For context, RMHC of Alabama expects to provide at least 20,000 nights every year.
The Heart of the House Gala, presented by Medical Properties Trust, began with a silent auction filled with fun and unique items. This year, attendees enjoy two new games of chance in between bidding in the silent auction: the Cork and Fork Pull and Diamonds Direct Champagne Drop!
After getting warmed up at the silent auction, everyone enjoyed a delicious seated dinner, followed by an exciting live auction where spirited bidding wars broke out over unique experiences like a private dinner with Chef Chris Hastings of Hot & Hot Fish Club and an exclusive private reserve bourbon package.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came from special guest Lily Teeter and her family. They shared their heartfelt story, offering a powerful reminder of the impact you have on families caring for ill or injured children. Their emotional video feature was a testament to how your presence and support make all the difference in a family’s darkest hour.
We are deeply grateful to you, our generous sponsors, our dedicated gala committee, our wonderful emcee Jeh Jeh Pruitt, our skilled auctioneer CKing Benefit Auctions, Nik Layman Photo Video, and all the amazing volunteers and vendors who played a part in making the event a success!
Because of each of you, families facing some of their toughest challenges have a place to stay, meals to share, and the comfort of being together. Thank you for your continued support!
If you are inspired to be a part of the 2025 Heart of the House Gala in any capacity, please contact Special Events Manager Amanda McCormick.
Be sure to relive the night by checking out all the photos in our Flickr album!
A Special thanks to our Heart of the House Gala Committee!
Jill & Bob Crawford, Chairs
Emma Abele • Shayla Aguillard • Patsy Baird • Lisa Cook • Kathy Emison • Jim Emison • Brooks Emory
Mary Grahovac • Patti Hagwood • Allyson Harris • Amy Johnstone • Jill LeBlanc • Doug Moore
Emily Northington • Lisa Ramsay • Marianne Sharbel • Elizabeth Smith • Karyn Uptain
