Comedian pitches in for charity

Donations from performances help Ronald McDonald House Charities

When you get two orange-headed personalities together, goofiness and charity is sure to ensue.

Ronald McDonald and comedian Scott "Carrot Top" Thompson gathered at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas recently to commemorate the dedication of a room at the facility to the prop-wielding comic. The organization has named many of the 12 rooms after donors who have given $50,000 or more to the charity.

Ronald McDonald Children's Charities have gathered $3.8 million from donations for rooms, putting them debt-free for the first time since they opened six years ago. The fund-raiser was used as the primary source of funds to build the house at 2323 Potosi St. A similar campaign will begin next year to help raise monies for an additional house.

The Las Vegas chapter also is selling tiles, engraved with donor names, to decorate the campus. Tiles are $300 and $900.

"We're debt free. To celebrate, it's like icing on the cake for us," said JoAnn Malone, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities for Southern Nevada. "It's an opportunity to have your name placed somewhere forever."

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas houses families of children who are in Las Vegas for medical treatment. Families of children who are injured while in Las Vegas on vacation, who visit the city for specialized treatment, such as chemotherapy or open heart surgeries; or those born prematurely are referred by local hospitals.

The organization also delivers sack lunches to parents sitting with their children in local hospitals.

The 13,000-square-foot facility has a full kitchen, pantry, lounge and 12 rooms, suited to sleep four people each. The house averages 80 percent occupancy year round, Malone said.

Carrot Top as well as supportive local companies such as Deluca Liquor, the Bellagio and Southwest Airlines also have their names engraved on a plaque outside each room. Previous recipients of the aid provided by the organization also are known for becoming donors, Malone said.

While families stay in the Ronald McDonald House, their needs are minimal. Laundry service, hygiene products and food are provided. The organization holds a food drive every February, and the response is so strong, they help feed other food banks in the city, Malone said.

"It's one of those programs people can see themselves needing," Malone said. "We're not trying to find a cure (for a specific disease). It's a quality of life issue. Everything you need around your house we need here times 12."

Carrot Top brought his family, including his mother, to the event and cut the ribbon with scissors, which were decked in carrots.

He donated his fees from two appearances to the charity last year and worked to serve patrons at McDonald's during World Children's Day. Carrot Top started working with Ronald McDonald House Charities about five years ago and typically works with charities involving children and animals, he said.

"I try to get involved as much as I can. It's hard to pick and choose. It was one of those things that didn't take a lot of thought," he said. "It's either a hospital or here. Here is like paradise. Plus, I look like Ronald McDonald, so it helps. It either hurts or helps."

The comedian, who performs frequently in Las Vegas, travels around the country on tour. Since there is a Ronald McDonald House in most major cities, he plans to stop in and visit with the families whenever possible. Children are comfortable with him, he said.

"I'm always silly looking even. There's no threat. There's a likeable factor because I'm goofy looking," he said. "I try to go above and beyond with children."

Those interested in the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas can call 252-4663 or visit at www.rmhlv.com.


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