Circle Furniture Donates $20,000 of furnishings for Boston’s Ronald McDonald House

Furniture World Magazine

Boston-based Circle Furniture announced the retail chain has donated approximately $20,000 in furnishings for the new development of six Bone Marrow Transplant Recovery apartments at the Boston Ronald McDonald House. The project, which was initiated in May and completed last month, involved fully furnishing the apartments. Circle Furniture partnered with fellow manufacturer donors, W.A. Mitchell, Lyndon Furniture, Oak Designs, Woodworks of Cataumet and Designs for Living to ensure the apartments were comfortably outfitted for bone marrow transplant patients, during and after treatment, and their parents. A full renovation of the six apartments, located in the Carriage House behind the main house at 229 Kent Street, began earlier this year. The Carriage House was originally converted in 1985 into individual apartments, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping area. This conversion stands as the pioneer for temporary residences for those in need of housing after having a bone marrow transplant. With the support of local McDonald’s Restaurant owners and other generous donors, companies and foundations, the House went forward with the much-needed renovations to provide even greater comfort within this “home-away-from-home” for families of children with cancer. When hearing the news of the impending renovation, Circle Furniture owners, Harold and Richard Tubman and Peggy Burns, contacted the Ronald McDonald House, volunteering the donation of goods and additional help in designing and decorating the apartments. “We wanted to create a comfortable environment for the children and their families while they recuperate,” commented Circle Furniture’s Richard Tubman. “We didn’t even have to ask twice before our manufacturer partners were jumping at the chance to pitch in – the employees even volunteered their own time to put together the pieces – foregoing their own wages to help out,” continued Tubman. Craftsmen at one manufacturer partner, W.A. Mitchell, donated all costs and time to make 24 chairs. “Circle Furniture and their partners were very generous in creating a warm and welcoming environment for these families,” said Director of Development at Ronald McDonald House, Deborah Boyd. “The rooms are inspiring,” continued Boyd. The furniture was delivered among the reconstruction in June of this year and Circle Furniture owners and designers returned in late August to add the final decorative touches. The Ronald McDonald House expects that occupancy of the new spaces will begin later this month. About Circle Furniture: Circle Furniture began as a quality unfinished furniture store catering to neighboring college students in Cambridge. With four locations today, Circle Furniture is the destination for New Englanders seeking eclectic, contemporary selections. From stylish hardwood furniture like dining tables, to beds, mattresses and creative accessories, Circle Furniture offers unique, quality furniture for contemporary and traditional homes. Upholstered styles, such as sofas and loveseats, are all made-to-order. Customers are offered a wide selection, choosing from 35 furniture styles and 1000 fabric coverings, including leather. Circle Furniture is located in Acton, Cambridge, Framingham, and Hanover. More information is available online at www.circlefurniture.com. ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE: The Boston Ronald McDonald House opened its doors in Brookline in 1979, establishing itself as the eighth House in the county. The House was a dream of the Friends of the Jimmy Fund, a group of parents whose children were treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. The House is a temporary home-away-from-home for families of children ages birth through 21 being treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Canter Institute’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. Families live at the home while their children, are inpatients, undergo surgery, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. The 24-room House is an independent, community-supported, non-profit organization. More information is available online at www.ronaldmcdonald.org.