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A Lasting Legacy

At the time, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City were building a third Ronald McDonald House, located in Longfellow Park, which had 29 guest bedrooms and 12 long-term suites.  They needed to raise $11million dollars, and Tom was just the man to lend his support.

Tom volunteered on the Chapter's Capital Campaign Steering Committee.  He, along with his fellow committee members, pounded the pavement working to raise awareness and funds.  The Ronald McDonald House opened in 2006, just in time for the Chapter's 25th anniversary.

He continued to participate on the Board of Directors and both he and Jenny were on the Friends of the House board.  In fact, he was about to renew his board membership for another three years when he died in a tragic auto accident last year at the age of 45.

Today, Tom's memory is strong and his work continues through his family and friends.  Tom also served on the Board of Directors for The NASCAR Foundation from 2007-2009.  To honor his legacy, The NASCAR Foundation, Sprint, Inc. and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City will build a new state-of-the-art playground at the Ronald McDonald House, which will open in May of this year.

"The boys and I are thrilled that The NASCAR Foundation chose to honor Tom's memory with this incredible playground at the Ronald McDonald House," said Jenny Murphy.  "Both NASCAR and Ronald McDonald House Charities were close to Tom's heart.  It would have meant a lot to him to see these two organizations working together to make this a special place for the children and families who stay here."

 

Groundbreaking of playground

 

In honor of Tom's legacy and commitment to RMHC, Fox Sports choose RMHC as the official Charity of the 2010 NASCAR season.  Millions of viewers have seen the PSA featuring Kasey Kahne.  Hopefully these NASCAR fans will be inspired to get involved.  All thanks to Tom.

"Tom was always asking what he could do to help," said Holly Buckendahl, CEO and executive director, RMHC of Kansas City.  "To ensure our local Chapter is strong and able to serve the growing number of families that need our help, we need volunteers like Tom who are willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to raise awareness and funds.  Tom was passionate about his family, his work at Sprint, and his work on the RMHC board.  We miss him, but his legacy will continue. The playground is a daily reminder of his commitment to RMHC and the children we serve."

"The boys and I are thrilled that The NASCAR Foundation chose to honor Tom's memory with this incredible playground at the Ronald McDonald House," said Jenny Murphy.  "Both NASCAR and Ronald McDonald House Charities were close to Tom's heart.  It would have meant a lot to him to see these two organizations working together to make this a special place for the children and families who stay here."

 


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