Good Deeds

Over the weekend I stopped by the Albany Tula Alliance "Shall We Dance?" benefit at the Franklin Plaza in Troy.

I'd been to the historic 1833 building before and marveled at the spacious ballroom and grand ceilings. But it wasn't until I checked my coat in the Victorian Atrium did I notice the huge authentic bank vault.

It's mammoth, must weigh in at a couple tons or more. Architects probably built the building around the vault. Mary helped find me a seat while I wandered the venue snapping shots of its opulence.

I sat with a team of Ronald McDonald board members and listened to the quality care the house gives for the community. They introduced me to a couple at the next table by the name of Anna and Jose Ramirez. Their daughter of 7 years, Marisa, battled a brain tumor for years and when the time came to say goodbye she insisted on dieing at the Ronald McDonald House surrounded by the volunteers she came to know, love and trust. It was a sobering story but one of dedication, faith and compassion.

For more information on this home away from home for seriously ill children, visit
The Ronald McDonald House on South Lake in Albany.