In late July, we celebrated alongside Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) as they announced their House in the Hills project. The 12-bedroom house will be located on land owned by Monument Health, at the corner of East Fairmont Boulevard and Elm Avenue; mere blocks from Rapid City Hospital. Once built, the house will also feature private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, shared lounging spaces, dedicated children’s play and gaming areas, laundry facilities and offices for on-site staff.
According to RMHC:
- Last year 1,078 local families stayed in the houses the organization provides.
- Within 15 counties in western South Dakota alone, in its history Ronald McDonald houses have served approximately 5,161 families for a total 25,714 nights.
- In the state of South Dakota, families whose children are battling life-threatening illnesses stay for an average of 8 nights.
“At Monument Health, one of our top priorities is to provide safe, high quality care close to home,” said Dave Ellenbecker, VP Facilities Management and Plant Operations, to the gathered crowd. “This house represents far more than a building. It’s a symbol of our community’s unwavering commitment to supporting families during their most challenging moments. Seeing this vision become a reality is truly amazing.”
Monument Health serves a geographic area greater than 250 miles around Rapid City, which includes five states: South and North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. Families in need of care sometimes travel long distances, which causes even more stress than that which already comes along with having a child who needs critical medical care. These families can count on Ronald McDonald House to provide a wonderful, comfortable and supportive retreat that is minutes away from Children’s at Rapid City Hospital.
This project has been nearly almost two decades in the making, with plans originating as far back as 2006. “With the collaboration of Monument Health, under the leadership of Chief Brand Officer Robin Zebroski and Dave Ellenbecker, Ronald McDonald House in the Hills is not a hope, but a reality,” said Kevin Miles, CEO of Ronald McDonald House South Dakota.
Construction on House in the Hills begins in September with the goal of opening in late 2026.
Story by Kory Lanphear
Photo by Colette Gannon