Volunteer Spotlight
Sharing Beautiful Music with the families at PRMH
Ramone Taylor, a 19 year-old student at Royer-Greaves School for the blind, first learned of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House while searching the internet for volunteer opportunities. "I just decided that the Ronald McDonald House was a good pick for me," Ramone says. He wanted to share his talents of playing the piano with the families at the House and when Ramone approached the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House to see if there was an opportunity to do so, his talents were sincerely welcomed.
Ramone, who plays the piano by ear, has been playing in the family room at the Chestnut Street House for over a year and a half. Ramone's playing can be heard every other week for a few hours each night. When asked about his first day at the House, Ramone responded with, "I was kind of blown away. Just to see the camaraderie and how friendly everybody was to each other."
Finding inspiration every time Ramone comes to play at the House, he recalls one very special occasion when a little boy, who was staying at the House, sat and listened to him play. "Afterwards, the boy gave me a little piece of paper to sign and said he really liked my playing," Ramone says, "It's like one of those special places. You don't take it for granted."
While still attending school, Ramone manages his time thoroughly between volunteering and playing the piano. "When I'm not in the studio, that's when I volunteer," Ramone says. When asked how long he plans on playing for the House he says, "I guess until I can't play the piano anymore." Ramone offers this bit of inspiration for those who are interested in volunteering, "It's a life-changing experience. You learn to appreciate everything you have." He also adds that the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is an amazing charity that helps provide essential services for families with seriously ill children. "You could say it's like a home away from home."
Find out about more volunteer opportunities at the House.
