Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas (RMHCA) has announced that its 2022 Chocolate Fantasy Ball, presented by BKD, raised a record-breaking number of donations this year. The annual fundraising gala helps provide a place to stay at the Ronald McDonald House for families with a critically ill child in the hospital.
Over 820 chocolate lovers attended the award-winning gala, which was sold out by Dec. 2021. During the event, attendees could indulge in more than 11,000 pieces of chocolate, followed by a seated dinner, live auction, a story from honored family and live music from Boom Kinetic.
“After a virtual event in 2021 and a decision to push the 2022 event back to April, we couldn’t be more pleased with this tremendous outcome that will help so many families,” said Janell Mason, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas CEO.
In honor of RMHCA’s 40th birthday, Little Rock philanthropists Susie and Charles Morgan offered a special $40,000 birthday match during the “Share a Night” portion of the evening. Share A Night allows patrons to sponsor a night stay for a family, and the goal was nearly quadrupled, reaching $152,130.
Overall, a record-breaking total of $720,329 was raised, making 2022 the fundraiser’s most successful year yet. RMHCA representatives said the “sweetest” part of the event is that many generous donors and volunteers have made and continue to make it possible for families to stay together at the Ronald McDonald House– when it matters most.
READ ALSO: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas Celebrates Major Milestone