The Pay It Forward Challenge

What starts out as a modest goal for improvements to the Ronald McDonald House in Long Island evolves into a mass community effort resulting in more than $58,000 in donations to the house!

During high school, Felicia Cilibrasi worked at the Ronald McDonald House, which hosts families of seriously ill children receiving treatments at nearby hospitals. Felicia and her parents, Arline and Bob Kramer, plan to poll their money and spend $1,000 each on calling cards for residents, a housing hardship fund and a lactation room for nursing mothers.

Lynelle Rennis, a weekend manager at the house, had stayed with her baby Maxwell at the Ronald McDonald House during his too brief, one-month life. The lactation room was her dream made true through the Kramers.

Inspired by the family's efforts and wanting to help the organization even more, local businesses and individuals give cash and in-kind donations topping $55,000, at last count.

"Our family is so grateful for the opportunity to touch so many lives," Arline says. "My heart is no longer beating, it's singing and it's not likely to stop anytime soon!"