Community

Supporting Families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville

The Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation is honored to support families in Northeast Florida through the Adopt-A-Room Program at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a welcoming place for families whose children are receiving medical care at nearby hospitals. During what can be one of the most difficult times in a family’s life, the house offers something incredibly meaningful: a place to rest, share meals, and remain close to their child.

Through this partnership, the foundation sponsors Room 310 for the year.

Why Room 310

Room 310 was chosen in honor of Melissa’s birthday on March 10th. For Melissa’s family and friends, the room represents a small but meaningful way to continue sharing her spirit of kindness and care for others.

Each family that stays in Room 310 will be welcomed with a note sharing Melissa’s story and the mission of the foundation, a reminder that even during challenging moments, a community of support surrounds them.

Melissa Jane Nicandri founders, Peter and Stacie Nicandri with Ronald McDonald House Charities Jacksonville CEO Joey Leik and and Director of Development Allison Davis
Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation founders, Peter and Stacie Nicandri (right), with Ronald McDonald House Charities Jacksonville CEO Joey Leik, and Director of Development Allison Davis (left).

A Visit to the Ronald McDonald House

During a recent visit, the foundation’s founders toured the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville and learned more about the families it serves. From the comfortable family rooms to shared kitchens and gathering spaces, every part of the house is designed to help families feel supported.

A bee mine card with a picture of a honey bee in flight with hearts

One small moment during the visit stood out. Among the cards and decorations created for families was a simple “Bee Mine” card with a small bee on it, a quiet reminder of the kindness and care that fill the house each day.

Continuing Melissa’s Legacy

The Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation was created to carry forward Melissa’s spirit of kindness, curiosity, and love of community.

By sponsoring Room 310 at the Ronald McDonald House, the foundation hopes to provide families with a small measure of comfort during difficult moments, and a reminder that a caring community stands beside them.

Because sometimes the greatest gift a family can receive is simply knowing they are not alone.