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More than 150 donors from around the country raised more than $120,000 to redecorate several family spaces at the Ronald McDonald House in honor of the Mayer/Smith Family.

 

Eric Smith, his wife Christi, their twin son Trevor, and stepfather, David Mayer, lost their lives in a plane crash on August 16, 2007 in Alaska. Their twin daughter, Allison, passed away due to injuries from the accident 49 days later, on October 4. Eric’s mother and David's wife, Mindy Mayer, survived the crash.

 

With Mindy’s guidance, the donations were used to redecorate several family spaces at the Ronald McDonald House located on the campus of Legacy Emanuel Hospital. These include: a mural in the dining room that honors the entire family and their love of the Northwest and the outdoors; the library in honor of Eric Smith; a new scrapbook area in the dining room in honor of Christi Smith; an updated playroom in honor of Allison and Trevor Smith; and a new elevated model train display in the dining room in honor of David Mayer.

 

Eric Smith was a McDonald’s Owner/Operator and President of the McDonald’s States Advertising Co-op, who also served on the Board of Trustees for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Eric was very interested in supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities because he understood the need for families to have a place to stay when their children are hospitalized.

 

Local businesses, involved in coordinating the design and redecoration of the spaces, have been instrumental in ensuring the success of this project. Special thanks goes to Ann Adrian, owner of Goodnight Room, who provided vision for the entire project and was specifically responsible for coordinating the dining room and playroom; Dan Brungardt, owner of Su Castillo, who worked as the project coordinator for the library; Kelly Fitzgerald, a friend of Christi Smith, who worked as project coordinator for the scrapbook area; artists Karen Carmen and Janet MacGregor, of Wallworks Studio, who painted the murals; and Bill Anderson, owner of Bill Anderson Design, who designed and installed the train display.

 

Thousands of families staying at the Ronald McDonald House over the next several years will enjoy the newly decorated spaces while their seriously ill children get treatment at local Portland hospitals.