Geeks 4 Kourageous Kids was founded by husband-and-wive duo (and parents to 3 children) Chad and Jaime Osuna, who desired to give something back to the geek community that they so greatly loved. According to Chad, "For a long time, I was thinking of ways that we could use our involvement in the geek community to help children in any small way." After approaching his wife about ways to get more involved, together, they contacted The Orange County Ronald McDonald House. As a group, they brainstormed as to the best possible avenues for partnership, which evolved into bringing a group of cosplayers to greet, chat, and take photos with children with illnesses, and those in need. On July 19th, just before the madness of SDCC, G4KK and the OCRMH made such an event a reality with their 25th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast, launching a great organization into existence while celebrating and honoring the work of the Ronald McDonald House.
The Orange County Ronald McDonald House provides a comfortable and affordable “home away from home” for families shouldering the burdens associated with a child who is being treated at a nearby hospital. They offer a temporary home near their child’s hospital where they can sleep, eat, relax, and find encouragement from others. It is much more than just a nice place to stay. It helps to anchor families in very trying times. It can reduce stress by providing a venue where people can talk things out with others who are wrestling with the same issues.
For those interested in lending support to The Orange Country Ronald McDonald House (for which there are a variety of ways to give back), readers may visit the organization's "Ways to Give" page on their official website.
In addition, for those interested in working with Geeks 4 Kourageous Kids, more information regarding the group may be found on their official Facebook page.
If you have a volunteer opportunity or an important cause that could use the assistance of a few geeks, please email the details to barbra (at) fanboycomics.net.