No Clowning Around: Diamond Band Donated to Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald is more often associated with golden arches than he is diamond rings. But that’s exactly what a Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteer discovered inside of the clown’s red size 14 shoe.
The shoe was one of 800 that had been used to collect donations during a June 28 Red Shoe Drive fundraiser that the San Diego Chapter of the children’s charity held in the Mission Valley area. The ring, a wedding band, was gathered at an intersection during the morning rush hour, according to U-T San Diego.
Representatives with the Ronald McDonald House San Diego Chapter aren’t sure if the diamond band was dropped intentionally or accidentally. Good Morning America on Monday noted that the charity has received about a dozen calls to claim the ring – but not from anyone who has been able to match its description.
Ronald McDonald House creates, locates and supports programs that improve the health and well being of children. The charity began as a result of the three-year experience that Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill and his wife, Fran, had when their toddler daughter, Kim, was undergoing leukemia treatments.
Throughout the world today, there are more than 300 Ronald McDonald Houses and nearly 300 chapters throughout the world. Some 180 Ronald McDonald in-hospital family rooms with kitchen areas, sleeping, shower and laundry facilities, Internet access and more have been established. In addition, health care professionals in some 45 Ronald McDonald mobile units provide primary care, dental care, immunizations, developmental screenings and other pediatric services in vulnerable communities.
The San Diego chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities is apparently a magnet for diamonds particularly. In 2010, someone contributed a pair of diamond earrings to its Red Shoe drive, according to what a chapter representative told Good Morning America.
Representatives plan to hold the diamond wedding band for at least six months before considering it a donation. For information or to claim the ring: 858.467.4750.