From the day the doors opened three-plus decades ago, service to the community has been a Rock Valley Physical Therapy benchmark.
“Rockin’ Relay,’’ Rock Valley’s company-wide philanthropic project during the second and third quarters of 2021, brought to life the dedication and the give-back spirit of every member of the Rock Valley family.
And beyond…
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of many, Rockin’ Relay 2021, raised $103,699.61, to be shared equally among four Ronald McDonald houses — Rochester, Minn; Peoria, Ill; Iowa City Iowa; and Des Moines, Iowa.
Each Ronald McDonald House from those respective cities, will receive a check $25,925, to “Make Better Lives.’’ for those they serve.
“This is incredible,’’ Shannon Greene, the executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois/Iowa City, said as she thanked Rock Valley CEO Mike Horsfield and other members of the Rock Valley family during, a recent check-sharing inside the Iowa City, Iowa-based Ronald McDonald House. “There is so much good that can be done with this. I marvel at the work and dedication of Rock Valley to have such a huge impact on the lives of those we serve. We are so grateful.’’
During a tour of the warm-hearted and inviting facility, Greene hinted the gift will go a great distance in rehabbing the kitchen at the facility.
“It’s a busy place and is in need of some updating,’’ she said. “It’s amazing the impact something so generous will have on the lives of so many.’’
The mission of every Ronald McDonald House is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Ronald McDonald houses assist families physically, economically, and emotionally during their-health care journey. A Ronald McDonald House program helps reduce stress and financial burdens for families when they must travel far from home to access medical care for their child.
It’s core mission is to:
- Lead with compassion.
- Focus on the critical needs of children.
“We chose Ronald McDonald House charities, because it serves the regions that we serve and , and it has assisted several of our employees, myself included, in times of need,’’ said Michelle Sarb, DPT, OCS, philanthropic lead for Rock Valley Physical Therapy. “All of the houses have been so grateful for the support.”
“We set an incredibly lofty goal, having never done a project of this magnitude,’’ added Sarb. “It was great to see the creativity each clinic used to raise funds, and to see our patients and communities get involved. The Ronald McDonald houses have helped many of our employees personally and it feels wonderful to give back to an organization who helps people in some of their lowest moments. I am so proud of my RVPT co-workers and friends.’’
In 2020, research showed the distance connecting every Rock Valley clinic — covering seven regions, two states and 50 clinics — was 2,020 miles. A path was drawn and miles between clinics were calculated to determine miles run by those involved and a dollar amount per mile.
The rest was handled through the dedication and determination of Rock Valley employees, their families and a multitude of friends and amazing patients, all understanding a worthwhile cause.
“The support received from Rock Valley Physical Therapy provides the foundation of our day-to-day operations as well as hope, encouragement and comfort for families during a time of uncertainty,’’ said Angela Christensen, Development Officer, Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Minn, noting the Rochester Ronald McDonald House served 202 families in its traditional lodging program, providing 4,045 nights of restful sleep and rejuvenation. In addition, its outreach programs provided nightly meals, 604 bags filled with groceries and easy to prepare food, 573 activity and craft filled bags, and more than $4,000 in gift cards for families to access basic necessities like food, gasoline or personal care items.
“Together, we make being away from home while caring for an ill child more feasible for families,’’ added Christensen. ”Together, we take away the burden of worrying where a family may sleep, shower or eat, allowing families to focus their attention on the health and well-being of their ill child. Together, we provide a safe and loving environment where kids can be kids and parents can lean on.’’
Hats off to those who brought such an amazing mission to life and to those who serve the families who will benefit from such dedication and care.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller