Making a Difference: Rachel Karrer Gives Comfort to Families with Sick Children

“My family and I started volunteering at Ronald McDonald House about 10 years ago,” says Rachel Karrer, Education Coordinator for the Lexmark Center for Children in Illinois. Rachel participates in the Adopt-A-Meal program. She and a group of friends visit every month to make breakfast for the visiting families.

“Over the years I have been continually amazed at the dedication of the volunteers and staff that support those families who are going through a tough time. Those individuals put a lot of time and their own money into keeping the Louisville House a home away from home for families in need and I have been proud to be even a small part of that,” says Rachel.

Rachel applied for and received a $250 Gleason Grant for the Ronald McDonald House in honor of her volunteer work.

“When I received the Gleason Grant, I was proud that something I had done would help contribute to a place that means so much to me,” says Rachel. “It is amazing how much a simple meal and a listening ear can do to help ease the burden of people who have so much on their shoulders.”

Any Bright Horizons employee or a group of employees who volunteers at least 20 hours a year with a qualified nonprofit organization* is eligible to apply for a Foundation grant. Larger grants are available in honor of those who volunteer more than 100 hours a year.

The Foundation recognizes the Bright Horizons volunteers who are making a difference in the communities where we live and work through volunteering, engagement, and fundraising.  Volunteers can be Foundation grant recipients, Community Champions, volunteers hosting Brightening Lives Activities, and/or groups or individuals fundraising for the Foundation. If you or someone you know should be recognized, please contact the Foundation at bhfoundation@brighthorizons.com.

*Please see our Funding Guidelines for more information on eligible organizations.