There had to be a connection tho: "(Jim Murray) .... met Children's Hospital of Philadelphia oncologist Audrey Evans. They partnered with Elkman Advertising which handled marketing for McDonald's, and the charity took the name of the latter's mascot." "2013 it was estimated that McDonald's only contributed about 20% of the funding; about 30% came from McDonald's customers' donations." But still seems a "marketing ploy" trying to distract from the food problems.The fast food place ... Macca’s . ... Ronald McDonald house is a awesome children's charity