Families dealing with a child’s illness are going to receive more support, thanks to Southwest Section PGA professionals raising more than $45,000 as they played 72 holes.

This group of golf professionals raised the money during the SWPGA Birdies For Good event to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona, as well as the Southwest PGA Foundation. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona received almost $23,000 during a recent presentation. The tournament was played at The Short Course at Mountain Shadows in Scottsdale in December.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona every year provides a home-away-from-home for more than 1,000 families that have children requiring medical attention. Since it opened its first House in 1985, it has housed families for more than 53,000 visits.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona runs houses at 501 E. Roanoke Ave., on the campus of Phoenix Children’s Hospital and on the campus of Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa. Families stay in private rooms and access laundry facilities, large community kitchens and pantries, as well as dining rooms, family rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, on-site libraries and free Wi-Fi in the houses. Volunteer groups donate food and prepare meals every night for families that also receive physical and emotional support from others that are dealing with similar challenges.

To learn more, visit rmhccnaz.org.