Following the fun and successful Chalking of Ghent last June,

pic: Anne K. Rodriguez

AltDaily and the Ghent Business Association are pairing up again to continue the tradition of family fun, street performance, and community building by hosting the Fall Chalking on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 2-6 pm.

As with last time, all proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk. Below is an excerpt from last June’s AltDaily article, “What We’re Chalking For,” explaining the amazing work Ronald McDonald House does:

As I’m sure you know,

The Chalking of Ghent is taking place this Sunday in Ghent on Colley Ave.

It’s going to be a wonderfully light-hearted day of drawing art on the sidewalks, community building, and dirty hands. There will be pizza, prizes, and street entertainers to delight your eyes, ears, and soul. It’ll be sweet like, yah know?

help=love.

But beyond the fun and good vibes, there is a cause we’re chalking for. All money donated will go to one of the area’s under-heralded stars, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, which is located adjacent to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters at 404 Colley Ave. It’s the nice brick colonial-style house with Ronald smiling on the front porch.

Their mission is is to provide a “home away from home” for families with children facing medical challenges and to also support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Here’s more of what they’re all about, as told by their executive director, Elyse Brown:

“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk provides a refuge for families during stressful times. When you walk in the front door, you know you are home. It provides sanctuary when you cannot be home because you need to be treated at the hospital.

Unless you have been in this type of situation, it is hard to appreciate the value of the service provided. It is a quiet safe place where you can get a respite from the stress of the hospital so you can be available to your son or daughter. It gives families in crisis time to share and process. It is a warm and friendly place, all the things a hospital cannot be because it is an institution. You can find comfort, concern and emotional support from other guests.”

According to their website, The House originally began with only eight bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, playroom and laundry facilities. To accommodate more families RMHC-Norfolk, added nine more bedrooms, increased the size of the kitchen, and added a playroom, boardroom, quiet room and handicap room in 2001.

Rather than go on with my thoughts, I’ll leave you with the words of one of the parents aided by RMHC-Norfolk:

“Words do not adequately express our deep gratitude for God’s provision of this Ronald McDonald House for these past two weeks. We were not looking forward to our stay here in Norfolk while our son was in treatment. From the moment we walked in to the lovely, bright hallway and checked in at the front desk to when we were given the tour, we felt so welcomed and cared for. Truly, this place has been an oasis for both my son and me.

It's about parents and sick children.

My son was here for two weeks of treatment for stuttering. We were supposed to stay at the Caring Center, but three days before we were due to come, their air conditioning broke and we were told we could not stay there. We were referred to Ronald McDonald House and I was so relieved when you said yes, we have a room. For my son, 16, who has spent eight hours a day in a small cell like cubicle, speaking into a black box the House has been a blessed relief. He has been able to walk to treatment each day and I have been able to meet him for meetings with ease. Your kitchen, laundry facilities are so nice and our room very comfortable. It has been our “home away from home” for which we are so grateful. Thank you so much for opening your home to us. Your generosity brings tears to our eyes.”

***

We hope you join us in our second attempt to marry good times and good causes as we chalk it up this Sunday.

pic: Chris Bonney

Participants are encouraged to bring their own chalk. However, chalk will also be provided at the following locations: Color Me Mine, NARO Cinema, East Coast Bicycles and Harbor Gallery. Donation bins will also be available along Colley Avenue. YNot Pizza will be providing $1 slices of pizza, also with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House.

This will be a family-friendly day spent wandering the charming and colorful Colley Avenue between Princess Anne Road and 21st Street as children (and adults) get creative on the sidewalk. SPIN (Street Performing in Norfolk) will have buskers for your entertainment, and there will be balloon animals available for both the young and young at heart.

Everyone is welcome to this free event.

For more information, click here.