McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour 2014: Ronald McDonald House 25-Year Volunteer Motivated by Christ

'My Dedication is A Gift From God,' Says Veteran Volunteer

By Benge Nsenduluka, CP Reporter Thursday, May 08, 2014

Gospel music stars Erica Campbell and Anthony Brown pose with veteran volunteer Irma Young at Gatewood House in Atlanta | (PHOTO) Courtesy - facebook.com/AtlantaRMHC

Ronald McDonald House (Gatewood) recently honored volunteers in Atlanta and among them was Irma Jean Young, a 25-year volunteer who opened up about how the spirit of the Lord motivates her to continue helping others.

Last month, shortly after National Volunteer Week 2014 wrapped up, Gospel music stars Erica Campbell and Anthony Brown brought cheer to greif-stricken families at Gatewood House. During the visit, volunteers like Young, 72, were honored for all of their hard work.

Campbell and Brown are among this year's star-studded lineup for the McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, which focuses on the importance of giving back by raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

Young is a cook who has been volunteering her time and services at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) for more than two decades. She opened up about her admirable dedication to the global organization.

"I think in my heart I've always been a volunteer and for some reason the Ronald McDonald House is very close to my heart," Young told The Christian Post exclusively.

"[Helping others] helps me feel young and youthful. Although Im 72, I feel like I'm 50 or 40. And I know it's because of God," she continued. "My dedication to RMH is a gift from God and my late mother."

For 40 years RMH has provided resources like housing to millions of families of sick children around the world to help eliminate the financial strain that often comes with caring for a sick child.

Young has provided hot meals to thousands of families staying at RMH over the years. She acknowldged that the meals, which often include her famous Salisbury Steak and Mac 'n' Cheese, help uplift the families during their ordeals.

"I love feeding people," Young said while acknowledging that her culinary skills were passed down from her late mother.

"I enjoy meeting the people and having a hot meal makes them feel better," she continued. "[RMH] is very important to these families ... to know that I'm helping and relieving somebody of stress makes my volunteering all worth it."

Husband and wife Brian and Beta Fitzpatrick are among the thousands of families who Young has served at RMH over the years.

The couple, who live two hours away from Gatewood, share a one-year-old son Elijah who was born premature at 25-weeks and is currently undergoing respiratory treatment for ongoing health complications.

"[RMH] has helped in a lot of ways ... Everyone's like one big happy family," Beta told CP.

Elijah Fitzpatrick was born premature and is currently undergoing respiratory treatment. His parents Beta and Brian are receiving support from Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta (Gatewood) | (PHOTO) Courtesy: Brian Fitzpatrick

"Our faith is everything," Brian said of how they stay strong despite little Elijah's health woes. "You know the bible says 'God will create a way of escape' and I think that when you see places like the RMH … that is that place for escape."

Volunteers like Young assist in making it possible for families like the Fitzpatricks to receive the help they need to push forward. RMH helps sick kids like Elijah recover and heal.

In a recent statement U.S. President Barack Obama recognized National Volunteer week, which ran April 6 through April 12 this year. More importantly, he acknowledged the fundamental contribution made to society by volunteers.

Obama applauded volunteers everywhere for ultimately making the nation "better" and "stronger" by giving back to the community.

"Through countless acts of kindness, generosity, and service, Americans recognize that we are all bound together -- that we move this country forward by giving of ourselves to others and caring for those around us," POTUS wrote.

"The American experience stands apart because our triumph is found in the example of our people," he continued. "With unity of purpose and unmatched resolve, we confront our shared challenges as one people and emerge stronger than before."

The McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is a free summer concert series which runs across 12-cities. Currently in it's 8th year, the tour is designed to encourage people to give back to their communities.

Last year the tour raised a record- more than $83,000 was donated to RMHC.

This year stars include three-time 2014 Stellar Award-winners Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, hip-hop sensation Uncle Reece, organist Moses Tyson, Jr., Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers and the Mississippi Mass Choir. All of them are set to hit the stage to sing praise and uplift communities around the nation.

Campbell, one half of Grammy award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary, will also perform in addition to hosting the event alongside comedian Jonathan Slocumb.