"Party Like It's 1989! Homecoming Gala"

Ronald McDonald House® Orange County (RMHOC) celebrated 35 years in an 80s-themed, “Party Like It’s 1989!” Homecoming Gala on November 7, 2024.

With nearly 280 guests, the community came together for a night of fun, festivities and philanthropy to raise over $325,000. At RMHOC, they provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. By providing a place to rest, food to eat, and a community of support, the House serves as a home away from home for many families who travel long distances to give their child the best care. View events photos here. 

As part of the celebration, America’s premier 80s cover band, FlashPants, performed for guests all night long, accompanied by a Back to the Future-themed skit made by Executive Director Noel Burcelis and RMHOC Board Chair Steve Tomassi. Burcelis reminded guests of the journey they’ve helped sustain over the past 35 years sharing, “we have been constantly making improvements to better serve families [...] we just completed an expansion from 20 to 44 rooms to now serve anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 guests every year!”  

With the night continuing into games, live auction and more, guests heard from four alumni families who have been impacted by the work of RMHOC through the years: cancer survivor Lana Clay (1991); Brenda Contreras, mother of now 11-year-old Scarlett (2013); board member and alumnus dad of Ronald McDonald Family Room® at CHOC, Justin Slagle (2017); Victoria Allen, recent alumna mom who stayed at partner hotels during the House’s construction (2022). A theme shared amongst families was the House’s ability to be there when they needed it most, echoed by board member and CEO at The Partner Masters, Justin Slagle, “the staff and community here at Ronald McDonald House Orange County are truly something special – supporting families like mine, families who may not even think that we would need their support.”  

The event’s sponsors included CHOC, Cargill, and CCK Builders Inc., amongst others, as well as strong support from board members and their companies: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing (Cori Vernam), Talonvest Capital Inc. (Tom Sherlock), McDonald’s | Frisbie Management (Sharon Macdonald), McDonald’s | Widdicombe Enterprises Inc. (Patti Widdicombe), The Partner Masters (Justin Slagle), Rebecca Walsh (EVP, Chief Legal Compliance Office of Venteura Foods), and Gary Sorsher (SVP Quality and Regulatory Compliance of Edwards Lifesciences).