Please join us in supporting recovery efforts for our neighbors in Western NC. Our hearts are heavy for our friends, family, and team members affected by the destruction of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. 100% of donations will be sent to BeLoved Asheville, supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region. Donate now.
A home away from home
How to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Piedmont Triad celebrate 40 years of serving families
Families stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Piedmont Triad an average of seven days. | Photo by WStoday
After Dick and Penny Latham’s son, Alan, died at age three in 1980, they asked his doctor how they could best help other families in his memory. They spearheaded opening a 10-bedroom house on Hawthorne Road on Sept. 14, 1984.
In 1997, an addition expanded the house to 17 bedrooms. “The House that Love Built” debuted in 2010, complete with 36 bedrooms. The continuous structure is now wheelchair accessible complete with shared living rooms, a large dining room, and kitchen.
Families enjoy the convenience and normalcy of doing their own laundry in two dedicated — and decorated — rooms.
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Photo by WStoday
Free for families
Families receive much more than a private room and bathroom. Shared living rooms invite caregivers to connect with one another. A dedicated teen room gives siblings space to unwind + a fully accessible outdoor playground entertains young children.
Contributions of longtime volunteers and donors are around every corner. A “magic room” holds donated personal care items and toys. CEO Chuck Kraft says a medical play area in the playroom has had an unexpected benefit for adults.
“Some of our very young moms, who are only teenagers or babies themselves, they were actually here checking out the equipment and manipulating it because they were fearful of what their child was attached to. So it’s really served a dual purpose,” Kraft said.
Premature birth is the most common reason families seek assistance through RMHCPT.
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Photo by WStoday
How you can help
Kraft says RMHCPT counts on individual donations to fund ~$600,000 of its $3 million annual budget. There are several ways to make an impact:
A. I enjoy giving my time by volunteering B. I share my treasure with monetary donations C. I give my talent by serving in leadership roles D. I attend events that support their mission
Art Workshop: Ofrendas and Memory Boxes | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Generations Center | Free, RSVP | Learn the mestizo tradition of creating ofrendas to evoke memories of deceased loved ones.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
“The Room” with Greg Sestero Q&A | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 8 p.m. | a/perture cinema | $15 | The actor will take questions during a special in-person event celebrating 20 years since the cult film’s release.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Velocity Demo Day 2024 | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 3-5:30 p.m. | Winston Starts | Free, RSVP | Meet teams of diverse businesses, hear pitches, and discover what’s new in creative entrepreneurship.
Friday, Oct. 18
Jo Koy | Friday, Oct. 18 | 8 p.m. | Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum | $40+ | The stand-up comedian and actor brings his “Just Being Koy” tour to the Twin City.
Saturday, Oct. 19
6th Annual Blessing of the Animals | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Elks Lodge No. 449 | $5+ | Celebrate your pet with a blessing and enjoy a vendor fair, raffles, live music, and more — proceeds benefit Humane Solution’s spay-neuter feral cat fund.
Drone Express is now DEXA. The drone delivery company’s CEO say the rebrand better reflects its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and eco-friendly practices. DEXA is currently waiting for the FAA to approve its Part 135 certification to become a fully certified air carrier.
Eat
Explore local restaurants or new menu items you’ve been eyeing — it’s Eat Drink Triad Restaurant Week. Nearly 20 restaurants in Winston-Salem are participating in the event highlighting locally owned restaurants through Sunday, Oct. 20.
Outdoors
Lace up your sneakers to celebrate Great Trails State Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 with a two-mile walk through The Quarry at Grant Park starting at 10 a.m. Looking for more places to appreciate NC’s trail networks? Use our hiking guide.
Edu
Rams, start your engines. Winston-Salem State University will become the first university in NC to offer NASCAR’s Campus Lab Program, where students interested in careers in the sports industry will get hands-on experience. (FOX8 WGHP)
History
Go inside two historic RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company buildings that have been converted into luxury apartments on Saturday, Oct. 26. Preservation Forsyth will host a guided tour of The Lofts at Whitaker Park from 9 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $40 and registration is required.
Announced
If you missed the fun at the Carolina Classic Fair, get ready to mark your calendar. Next year’s fair will be held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Oct. 3-12, 2025.
Seasonal
Looking to boost your brand’s visibility? Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to showcase your gift-worthy products. With thousands of engaged readers, you will be seen by the right audience just in time for holiday shopping. Get in the guide.
Job
We’re looking for a Sales Executive to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships for our sister market, the CLTtoday team. Apply to join.
Talk
Keep a pulse on health care topics
Here’s what to expect at Salem Academy and College’s fourth annual Health Leadership Forum
Salem College began transforming into a liberal arts college focused on health leadership in 2021. | Photo courtesy of Salem Academy and College
Top women leaders in health will be in the Twin City on Friday, Oct. 18. They’ll share their expertise during Salem Academy and College’s fourth annual Health Leadership Forum — and you’re invited to hear what they have to say.
The event begins on campus in Elberson Fine Arts Center at 9 a.m. Charlene Wong, MD will deliver the keynote address to kick things off. She is the senior advisor for health strategy in the office of the director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Health Leadership Forum will discuss a range of health issues and educational goals, with a focus on maternal and child health + equity for homeless populations. It includes two morning panels, a closing leadership roundtable, and a networking luncheon. It’s expected to conclude around 1:30 p.m.
Today marks another important day in Ronald McDonald House Charities history. The first house opened in Philadelphia on Oct. 15, 1974, meaning families worldwide have been able to find “a home away from home” for 50 years.
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