01 Aug Celebrating Community Champion Linda Howell: A Legacy of Dedication and Service
With decades of dedication to RMHC Bay Area, longtime supporter and RMHC Bay Area Board Member, Linda Howell, has become a beacon of philanthropy and service, inspiring others with her efforts in making sure families have a community of support while facing pediatric medical crisis.
Linda’s journey in community service with RMHC Bay Area began early, ignited as a young mother in San Francisco. She played a pivotal role in establishing the first Ronald McDonald House in the city, a sanctuary for families with critically ill children.
Collaborating with several Bay Area community members including McDonald’s owner and operator Scott Lamson, attorney Gerry Hinkley, neonatologist Dr. Philip Reidel, and community leaders Shawn Byers and Betsy Mead, Linda worked diligently to raise funds and develop operating procedures for the House. Her efforts culminated in a decade-long tenure on the board from 1987 to 1997, including a term as Board Chair from 1990 to 1993.
About the photo (from left to right): McDonald’s owner/Operator Cal Fox; Ronald McDonald; Italian Consul General Marcello Gricciolli; RMHC Founding Members Linda Howell and Betsy Mead; Honorary Event Chair Kathleen and Joseph Alioto.
About the photo (from left to right) Kate Kelly, local news reporter; Linda Howell; and Trudi Nagle.
We never stand still in our mission to serve all the families in the San Francisco Bay Area with sick kids. I strongly believe that keeping families by their child’s bedside is critical to the healing process. Over the last forty years I’ve watched our mission expand from “A home away from home” to additionally anticipating all of a family’s unmet needs. While in the hospital---from providing meals for families to carry back to their rooms or managing a quiet and welcoming space in the hospital where family members can do laundry, catch up with work emails or take a much-needed nap.” — Linda Howell
About photos: 1989 Groundbreaking of the first-ever Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco, Linda’s daughters’ classmates and friends
During her time as Board Chair, Linda’s leadership and vision were instrumental in the growth and development of the organization. She worked to formalize the board committee structure and established a Medical Advisory Board comprised of the Chief of Pediatrics from local hospitals. Her strategic skills were evident as she helped write grants and led fundraising efforts to explore new partnerships. Under her guidance, the organization instituted an annual retreat to set long-term and short-term goals, ensuring a sustainable path for future expansion throughout the Bay Area.
Following the 2018 merger of the San Francisco House with the Stanford House, Linda joined the newly formed Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area (RMHC Bay Area). She has continued to serve with distinction on several key committees, including the RMHC Beyond 10 Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, and most recently, the By Your Side Expansion Campaign Committee.
In the photo from left to right: Casey Pratt, ABC7 News Reporter; Linda Howell; Laura Boudreau, RMHC Bay Area CEO.
Linda’s impact extends beyond the Ronald McDonald House. She has also served on the boards of local Bay Area nonprofit organizations like the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, where she co-chaired the Development Committee and contributed to the Campaign Committee for the Tunnel Tops project in the San Francisco Presidio, serving as a trustee of San Francisco Day School, and serving in the past on the CPMC Pediatric Advisory Council and the UCSF Cancer Council. Her diverse contributions have reflected her deep commitment to our local communities’ education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. These same values and dedication are evident in her work with RMHC Bay Area, where she continues to make a significant impact.
Linda Howell’s legacy is one of dedication, strategic leadership, and heartfelt compassion. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the community, and her example continues to inspire others to engage in meaningful service. As we celebrate Linda’s achievements, we recognize the profound impact of her work and the enduring difference she has made in the lives of so many.