June 8, 2026 is seemingly like any other summer day in Metro-Atlanta, other than the temperature being a little more moderate to compliment the rain and humidity. As we travel along to our destination, our initial goal is to catch up with the Atlanta Gladiators (the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators); while it’s their offseason, the team is still “on” as it comes to their community engagement.
What we come away with is more than just engagement; it’s a reminder of the importance of putting families at the heart of care.
Our visit to the Ronald McDonald House Atlanta (2580 Briarcliff Road in Atlanta, GA) is an encouraging eye-opener in more ways than one. Upon arrival, it is one of the first buildings you come across as it essentially a stone’s throw away from the Arthur M. Blank Hospital (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta), making it readily accessible for families and kids who are in need of care.
During our initial conversation with Tracey Atwater, the President & CEO, we learn about the work taking place, along with a few highlights which include (but are not limited to) the following:
She brings a track record of experience which includes her previous work at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta).
For children who are more than 50 miles away from their closest medical facility, the Ronald McDonald House provides access to medical care and related resources.
A key aspect of the care provided includes meals and life essential items.
Volunteers are regularly needed.
Food and snack items are welcome; this can be done via organizational drives and related means.
They are here so kids can get the healthcare they need.
To get a related point of reference, our full conversation provides the information regarding these and related points of emphasis (you may watch the video below):
In speaking with a familiar face, Jared Youngman (Team President of the Atlanta Gladiators), we discuss the team’s culture of community engagement, as we speak to these key focus areas:
Awareness of the work done at the location along with nationwide.
The size and scope of the work taking place, especially regarding support for families.
The team’s culture of community service and outreach, including ownership (Team Owner Alex Campbell) and their Director of Community Engagement, Derek Nesbitt.
The Starfish Story and adage of if it makes a difference to that one, there’s potential to make a larger impact across the board.
Our full conversation (below) provides additional details on the team perspective on community engagement (you may watch the full interview below):
And then there’s our time with Sarah Parrish (Senior Director of Marketing and External Relations), as we get the opportunity to walk through the venue. In operation (this location opens December 10, 2025) in Metro-Atlanta for 47 years, the focus on providing access, essentials, and related measures to tend to the needs of the youth and families served ranges from imaginative play and engagement for youth, apartment-style setups for families, along with engagement with the arts and other spaces (you may refer to the videos below):
A look at some of the resources in places in place at the Ronald McDonald House
A little of the history of the Ronald McDonald House along with the “why”.
Putting families at the heart of care of the focus of the Ronald McDonald House. Be it the experience shared with the Atlanta Gladiators to the volunteers, staff, and leadership, it’s about making a positive impact and difference.
It’s about making a difference to that one and creating a positive and powerful ripple effect.
