Sam's Story
When I was younger, my family had an apartment in New York City. I always remembered the Ronald McDonald House® that was right up the street from where we lived. Mom and Dad always told me how important that house was to so many families.
Today, I volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House® in Springfield, MA. They do great things for so many people. I wanted to do even more to help — so I decided to use my love of skiing and competitive ski racing to promote and raise money for the Springfield Ronald McDonald House®.
Please support Sam’s Race for a Place to benefit Ronald McDonald House® and help give families a place to stay during a tough time. A one-day stay for a family costs $45 — and some families need to stay for weeks. So any amount you can give is appreciated and will make a big difference.
Thanks for your support. Let’s go win one for the kids!
A Message from Jennifer Putnam, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, Mass., Inc.In 2008, young Samantha Udolf walked into the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MA to volunteer her time to the kids who were recuperating there. These kids come from around the world to receive surgical treatments for orthopedic deformities and other conditions.
Since then, Sam has volunteered on a weekly basis – planning,
organizing and conducting activities for the children.
That’s just the beginning of Sam’s efforts for the children at the
Ronald McDonald House. She has also created a website that is
dedicated exclusively to raising money to buy supplies and food for
the kids at the House. The site is samsraceforaplace.com and as of
June 2011 she has raised over $53,000... and counting.
In the time that she has worked with the Ronald McDonald
House, Sam has established herself as a spokesperson, a hands-on
volunteer, a fundraiser and a friend. She is a shining example
of the difference one person can make when they set their mind
to a goal and pursue it with all their heart and soul.
EB Taylor Photography
Portrait Photographer