Janie Cravens (right) spoke to the Washington Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. Bill Smith was program host for the day. Janie Cravens, co-owner with her husband David, of McDonald's in Washington, was the guest speaker at the meeting of the Kiwanis Club Tuesday.

Mrs. Cravens told about the Ronald McDonald House which provides housing to families with children who are hospitalized. She described much of the history of this non-profit organization.

Begun in 1974, Ronald McDonald Houses have served nearly four million family members in 20 countries. Currently there are 220 houses offering more than 5,000 rooms each night to families while their child is in the hospital.

Cities in Georgia with Ronald McDonald Houses include Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah.

Mrs. Cravens told of recent developments regarding replacing the current Ronald McDonald House on Augusta's Greene Street with a new one on MGE property which would be more convenient for families.

Ronald McDonald Houses are funded by whatever family members can afford and contributions from corporations, foundations, and individuals.

A percentage of all french-fry sales at the McDonald's restaurants operated by the Cravenses goes directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Bill Smith was host and program chairman for the meeting.