Arrowhead Credit Union and ArrowHeart Foundation win Ronald McDonald House award

Arrowhead Credit Union and the ArrowHeart Foundation received the Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire Golden Spatula Award on July 1 in Rancho Cucamonga for years of volunteer meals service. The recognition highlights more than 1,500 meals served and a partnership that has mobilized over 320 employee volunteers to support families at the Loma Linda house.

Why it matters: - The award recognizes sustained volunteer support for families facing medical crises, not a one-time donation. - The ArrowHeart Foundation’s work with Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire has helped provide meals, comfort and practical relief for families staying close to hospitalized children. - More than 1,500 meals and more than 320 volunteers show a long-running community program with measurable reach.

What happened: - Arrowhead Credit Union and ArrowHeart Foundation received the Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire Golden Spatula Award on July 1, 2026. - Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire Executive Director Jernine McBride and Development Director Thomas Franke presented the award at the ArrowHeart Suite in Rancho Cucamonga. - The honor recognized the organizations’ continued service to Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire.

The details: - The Golden Spatula is an honorary award used by individual Ronald McDonald Houses to recognize volunteers, corporate groups or community members who go above and beyond in the kitchen. - ArrowHeart Foundation has supported the Ronald McDonald House “Meals of Love” program in Loma Linda, California. - Thomas Franke said ArrowHeart Foundation has been coming to the House for more than three years to provide meals for families. - Franke said the foundation has provided over 1,500 meals for caretakers, families and patients. - The “Meals of Love” program is one of the most popular volunteer events for Arrowhead Credit Union team members. - Volunteers prepare and serve hot meals to families staying at the House while a child or loved one receives care at a nearby hospital. - More than 320 team members have volunteered since ArrowHeart began supporting the event three years ago. - Volunteers also meet and connect with families during visits. - Families staying at the House often face food insecurity, high medical expenses and lost income while trying to stay near a loved one receiving treatment. - Warm, homemade meals can offer temporary comfort and relief during long hospital days. - Villalobos described one visit with a mother who stayed at the House for more than 180 days while her son received NICU care. - Villalobos said the mother later shared how much a warm, home-cooked meal meant after emotional days at the hospital.

Between the lines: - The recognition also serves as a public marker of how credit union philanthropy can extend beyond cash donations into recurring hands-on service. - ArrowHeart Foundation’s model blends volunteer work, food and clothing donations, life-essential bags for unhoused people and scholarships, which broadens its local impact. - Villalobos said the award reflects a larger partnership with Ronald McDonald House and hopes to continue working with the organization in Loma Linda, as well as its Central and Northern Arizona location.

What's next: - ArrowHeart Foundation says it will keep supporting Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire and expanding its volunteer-based community work. - The foundation also aims to continue the partnership at Ronald McDonald House locations beyond Southern California. - ArrowHeart Foundation says it hosts more than 100 events a year and fills donation requests from community partners. - More information is available at ArrowHeart Foundation and Arrowhead Credit Union.

The bottom line: - The Golden Spatula Award spotlights a local partnership built on repeated service, not just recognition, and on meals that help families get through some of their hardest days.