RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Local law enforcement and a star athlete out of Virginia Tech are teaming up with a Roanoke charity for a new video challenge.

Firefighters and police officers hit the ballfield for a good cause Friday night playing in the 17th annual Guns and Hoses charity softball game.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke charity is teaming up with a star athlete out of Virginia Tech to help families in need. Christian Darrisaw is now an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia. “Going through my college career, I didn’t really have any huge off-the-field accomplishments and I just wanted to do something. It’s life-changing to little kids and other families and it’s really something I wanted to be a part of,” explained Darrisaw. As an ambassador, he will help raise awareness and money for the Ronald McDonald House.

ROANOKE, Va – The Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Virginia got a big donation Friday to help families who have a child in the hospital. American Electric Power (AEP) donated more than $10,000 from proceeds made from donated scrap metal. Officials with AEP said they were happy to help in any way they can. “I have had family, loved ones that have all been able to benefit from the Ronald McDonald houses and all the things they are able provide for the families that come down here for the hospital,” said AEP Associate Reese Edwards. Staff at the Ronald McDonald House said the money will go a long way since several fundraisers have had to be called off because of the pandemic.

ROANOKE, Va. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia launched its Keys of Hope fundraising initiative Thursday to help families who have a child in a hospital. Local real estate agents and car dealerships in the area are giving back a portion of their sales to the non-profit organization. Although the Ronald McDonald House isnt open for families to stay because of the coronavirus pandemic, those with the organization said this program will be a godsend. We are still providing the families lunch bags at the hospital in the NICU and pediatric unity, said Director of Special Events and Community Development Stephanie Carroll. The goal of this campaign is to raise $100,000 dollars.

ROANOKE, Va. - Loved ones will soon gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and brave Rowan Price. The 4-year-old battled a rare, aggressive form of leukemia she had been fighting since October and died on Sept. 15. #rowfightwin," Rowan's mother posted, "Rowan was a beautiful light and we want to continue to share her light and loving spirit." We will be having a Celebration of Life for Rowan at the Salem Red Sox Stadium on Saturday, October 5th from 530pm-8pm. Thank you to Allen and The Salem Red Sox for allowing us to share this celebration with our community.