BOISE – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho is hoping to help even more families with sick and injured children across Idaho, thanks to Regence BlueShield of Idaho.  Regence has selected Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho (RMHC®) to be a Community Partner Organization for 2014.

The company made the announcement and presented the nonprofit with a check for $100,000 on Friday. The support will focus on helping RMHC increase awareness across Idaho so more families who find themselves caring for a sick or injured child know they have a home away from home.

“We feel very fortunate to be partnering with a nonprofit who shares our commitment to helping the overall well-being of Idaho families across our state,” said Scott Kreiling, Regence BlueShield of Idaho President. “The Ronald McDonald House has opened its doors to so many people who needed a home while their children were in the hospital. Through our partnership we can help them continue to grow so they can help even more families.”

The Ronald McDonald House® provides a temporary home away from home for families of ill or injured children receiving treatment at Boise medical facilities.  RMHC also invests in programs that promote the health and well-being of children.  The funding from Regence will allow the charity to grow its visibility throughout Idaho in areas where families may not be as familiar with what RMHC offers.  The funding from Regence will be focused on developing a cross-functional awareness campaign to help strengthen the visibility for the RMHC’s important work.

Through the partnership, RMHC joins a select group of nonprofits that receive both significant funding and volunteer support from Regence and its employees. Georganne Benjamin, of Regence BlueShield of Idaho, is one of RMHC’s board members and past president of the board.

“The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho relies on donations so we can provide Idaho families a home away from home when they need it the most, “ said Mindy Plumlee, Executive Director of RMHC. “This donation from Regence BlueShield of Idaho will do so much for our organization here in Idaho. And as much as we appreciate the financial support from Regence, we are so thankful for all its employees’ involvement and volunteer hours they give to help our families and children.”

About Regence BlueShield of Idaho

Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a leading health plan in Idaho with more than 150,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is a nonprofit mutual insurance company and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence BlueShield of Idaho is affiliated with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Together, the companies serve more than two million members in the Northwest/Intermountain Region. The Regence affiliated companies are committed to improving the health of its members and communities and to transforming the health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceIdaho.

About Ronald McDonald Charities of Idaho

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, an Idaho non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, operates the Idaho Ronald McDonald House to provide a temporary home away from home for families of ill or injured children receiving treatment at Boise medical facilities. In addition, the Charity invests in community programs that promote the health and well-being of children across the state. The organization is committed to being a home away from home, offering hope and comfort for families in need of medical care for a sick or injured child, and continuing to be a leading proponent of essential children's programs.

Since opening the doors February 1, 1988, more than 9,200 families have found comfort, care and hope at the Idaho Ronald McDonald House. For more information, visit www.rmhcidaho.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHIdaho), or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/rmhcidaho).