Northwest Ranchers Bring Holiday Comfort to Bend Ronald McDonald Houses

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- In the spirit of the holiday season, Country Natural Beef, the country’s largest rancher-owned beef cooperative, is sharing comfort and hearty meals with families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses across the Northwest.  

Founded nearly 40 years ago, Country Natural Beef has deep roots in the region and a long-standing commitment to the community. In a series of volunteer events last month, the cooperative served approximately 130 people, donating 150 pounds of ground beef and serving four full meals at Ronald McDonald Houses in Oregon and Washington, including South Portland, East Portland, Springfield, Bend and Seattle. 

"Family, community and unity are at the heart of everything we do," says Valerie Rasmussen, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Country Natural Beef. “We are proud to support an organization that does incredible work, and we hope we made this season a little brighter for the families this year.” 

For Country Natural Beef, this partnership is personal. The regional organizations host thousands of families annually, including some within the co-op family. Jessica Langley, whose family has been ranching in eastern Oregon for over a century, knows firsthand the impact of Ronald McDonald House.  

“For our family, Ronald McDonald House was a home away from home,” says Langley, who has spent more than 250 nights at a Ronald McDonald House after her second daughter was born with a rare congenital heart defect. “It’s not just a place to stay, but a place to relax and recharge so we could be present for our daughter during her recovery. We are truly thankful for the meals, services and activities provided there.”