Get in the "holiday spirit:" Ronald McDonald House hosts Christmas Fantasy House



WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Christmas is weeks away, but Jackie Bonner is ready for the holidays as she made her annual trip to the Christmas Fantasy House on Thursday, November 6th.

"It's amazing and it puts me in the holiday spirit every single year," said Bonner.

This year's house is especially meaningful to Bonner, as it's being hosted at the Ronald McDonald House.

Bonner found herself temporarily living in a Minnesota Ronald McDonald House when her daughter began having health issues.

"If it wouldn't have been for the Ronald McDonald House, we wouldn't have been able to stay there and go through the program at Mayo Clinic, so to me it just means so much more," said Bonner.

The newly renovated Ronald McDonald House provides a home with outreach programs to families with a sick or injured child.

About 20 rooms in the home away from home have been decorated with Christmas lights, trees and more.

"We were overwhelmed because with our construction being completed, this is perfect timing to host an event like this," said Ronald McDonald House CEO Ann Petrie.

The Christmas Fantasy House is open to the public and all of the proceeds go right back to the Ronald McDonald House.

"Our original mission that was founded by Loretta Thompson 22 years ago was to share Christmas with children who were ill," said Christmas Fantasy House volunteer Cathy Scholl.

The Christmas Fantasy House spreads a little Christmas cheer to families who need it most.

"We've done everything we can to make the joy of Christmas be felt in all the children's hearts," said Scholl.

The Christmas Fantasy House is open from November 6th - 9th from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 at the door.

Since the Christmas Fantasy House is being held at the Ronald McDonald House, officials are asking if you are sick to please not attend.

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