September 18, 2026 — Every year, the PEF Region hosting the union’s annual Convention selects a charity to support, and this year Region 1 members overwhelmingly chose to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Western New York.
Recognizing the need to support the whole family when a child is seriously ill or injured, the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fast food giant McDonald’s was the charity’s first corporate sponsor, and its commitment to serving communities has helped Ronald McDonald House positively impact millions of families and expand core programs and services throughout the world. Whether through direct donations, in-kind services, volunteering, or advocating on behalf of Ronald McDonald House, McDonald’s has lived their values and helped Ronald McDonald House serve even more families with children who are ill or injured.
“It’s an incredible charity,” said Region 1 Coordinator Vincent Cicatello. “People often have to travel long distances from out of town, and they are already dealing with the condition that their child is going through. Ronald McDonald House provides a free place to stay with food, support groups, and families are able to meet other families going through similar situations.”
In Region 1, members in the health care field see many families use the RMH of WNY when their children are patients at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center or Oishei Children’s Hospital.
“For a lot of us in the medical field, this charity is near and dear to us,” Cicatello said. “We see firsthand what some of these families go through.”
Cicatello’s experience with RMH is also personal. At six months old, his son was diagnosed with a rare disease and the family lived away from home in New York City while he was treated at Sloan Kettering.
“It is such a relief to be able to go to an apartment or suite where you can make your own food and store belongings,” he said. “It alleviates a lot of pressure and worries. While it doesn’t heal the illness, it does offer comfort, relief and support.”
Region 1 set a fundraising goal of $7,500 for Convention 2026 and has already begun spreading the word. The charity drive continue throughout Convention, which will be held in Niagara Falls Oct. 18-21, and on the final day Cicatello will present the charity with a check.
Anyone may donate via to RMH using this link established by PEF.