Kristen Ellis, Ronald McDonald House Charities executive assistant; Marie McGehee, Colonial Life manager community relations; Donna Northam, Colonial Life assistant vice president corporate and external communications; and Karen Mar inelli, Ronald McDonald House Char ities of Columbia, executive director Being away from home with a seriously ill or injured child is difficult and stressful for families. The cost of hotel rooms, long commutes, lengthy nights in the hospital, and being away from friends and family members in a strange place takes a enormous emotional and financial toll on families in crisis. That's where the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) comes in.

Columbia's Ronald McDonald House is the cornerstone program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, a residence for families whose children are receiving treatment in area hospitals.

The House provides a comfortable "home away from home" where families can rest, enjoy home- cooked meals, meet other families in similar situations, and be near their sick or injured children, regardless of their ability to pay. The experienced house managers and volunteers offer round- the - clock assistance and support. The House is conveniently located on the eastern edge of the Palmetto Health Richland campus.

Since opening its doors in 1983, more than 16,000 guests have come to stay at the House.

Early Thursday morning, June 18, 2009, approximately 20 representatives of Colonial Life's management team gathered at Columbia's Ronald McDonald House to hang lights for the upcoming Light a Light…Share a Night Campaign. All employees were encouraged to participate in a fundraiser the first two weeks of June, 2009 in preparation for the Light a Light campaign by making financial donations and bringing needed supplies for the Ronald McDonald House.

Donna Northam, assistant vice president for corporate and external communication for Colonial Life said Colonial Life has ongoing volunteer opportunities for its employees and two major volunteer projects a year. This year they have chosen the Ronald McDonald Light a Light...Share a Night campaign. The RMH charges $10 a night to stay. Each donation for a light costs $10, which pays for one night.

In 2005, Colonial Life volunteers renovated and rebuilt the playground at the Ronald McDonald House. Kyle Addy, assistant vice president of sales management performance for Colonial Life, one of the management volunteers, said, "Ronald McDonald House makes a real difference in people's lives. All people will at some time find themselves in a position in which they need help. And all people will find times in their life in which they are able to volunteer to help others. This organization makes the community a better place for everybody."

The Light a Light, Share a Night campaign begins July 1 with the sale of each light for $10. The campaign will begin on July 1, 2009. Lights may be donated in honor or in memory of a loved one. Contact Kristen Ellis at (803) 254-0118 for more information or visit the website www.ronaldhousecolumbia. org.