8.17.2006 - 04:00pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW ORLEANS- In true Crescent City style, The New Orleans Ronald McDonald House reopened today with a grand celebration less than one year after the House was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

A Dixieland jazz band and Gospel Choir crooned on Canal Street while local dignitaries and politicians joined the festivities.

"RMHC is excited to be here today with the New Orleans community to celebrate the reopening of our Ronald McDonald House," said Ken Barun, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. "We're ready to continue our tradition of providing a comfortable, caring environment for families of children who are being treated at nearby hospitals."

Also present at today's event was legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, along with countless volunteers, donors and staff who helped to renovate the House over the past 11 months. Since it opened in 1983, the House has taken in more 18,000 families with seriously ill children.

Serving three hospitals in the New Orleans area, the 15-room House provides families from all around the world a home away from home while their sick children receive treatment.

"Having the Ronald McDonald House back in operation is an important step forward for our city and healthcare community," said Brian Landry, vice president of Children's Hospital in New Orleans. "We depend on the House to help us serve the needs of families with sick children and it's great to see that RMHC worked so hard and so quickly to rebuild the House."

On the morning of Monday, August 29, 2005, floodwaters, winds and storms severely damaged the New Orleans Ronald McDonald House in the Mid-City area. Winds tore off portions of the roof and took the House's van. More damage occurred after the levees broke, as flooding destroyed the first floor, causing severe damage to the interior of the House.

When the staff was able to return to the House two weeks later, they discovered flooding had reached the second floor and the damaged roof caused severe water damage. Mold and mildew lined the walls on the first floor. Everything inside was destroyed.

"Despite the damage, this Hurricane taught us we are all part of something greater, and the reopening of the House demonstrates the human spirit's perseverance through hard times," said Tony Herques, a McDonald's Owner/Operator who was elected board president of RMHC of Greater New Orleans two weeks before Katrina struck.

"Hurricane Katrina may have knocked buildings down, but the businesses and residents of this community are building them back up," said Don Thompson, McDonald's USA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "I am so proud of what the McDonald's family has done to help bring this much needed House back to the people of New Orleans."

In addition to unwavering support from local and national volunteers, the New Orleans Ronald McDonald House rebuilding effort received help from unexpected places. More than $1.5 million was granted by RMHC Chapters and other donors including RMHC Taiwan who sent $100,000 to help with the rebuilding of the House.

"What Hurricane Katrina did to New Orleans was devastating," said Viya Chen, president of RMHC Taiwan. "Here in Taiwan, we too felt the loss and sympathized with everyone affected. The '921 Earthquake' in September 1999 killed thousands of Taiwanese people and left hundreds-of-thousands homeless. The world rallied around us then and we'll never forget that. With all our love and hope, we wish the New Orleans Ronald McDonald House well as it once again continues to help families and children in need."

More than 83 Ronald McDonald Houses in all provided financial aid, while 15 different Houses offered lodging to the displaced families of pediatric patients. Corporations and individuals also donated time and money to help rebuild the House, including McDonald's® Corporation, BrandSource, Coca Cola, Dii, LLC, Dr. Pepper, Fluor Foundation, Garden Gate, Harris Builders, LLC, Hoffen Foundation, Kay Chemical, Kimball International, Kohler, Martin-Brower, MLU Services, Inc., MMR, P2S, Pacific Coast Lighting, Select Comfort, Southwest Airlines, Square D Electric Company and Universal Project Management, Inc.

About RMHC

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in nearly 50 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $440 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.

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