30 Apr Two Families. One Mission. Generations of Love.
Two Families. One Mission. Generations of Love. On the last day of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are honored to celebrate not one, but two extraordinary families whose legacies are deeply rooted in the heart of RMHC SWFL: the Fewster and Rocque families.
The Fewsters were part of RMHC SWFL before the House even existed. Barbara Fewster, a former Board Member, Executive Committee member, multi-time Storybook Ball Chair, and even a “celebrity painter” for Eat Clay Love, was a true founding force. Along with her husband, Tom Sr., she helped bring the Columbus House and the Southwest Florida House to life.
Their daughter-in-law, Beverly Fewster (formerly Rocque), continues that legacy today. Beverly has chaired the Storybook Ball and the golf tournament, served on the Board and Executive Committee, and remains an active volunteer. Since retiring from their McDonald’s business, Beverly and Tom Jr. have volunteered countless hours at the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Both Barbara and Beverly were awarded the RMHC SWFL President’s Award for their incredible service to the charity.
The Fewster story continues to grow. Beverly and Tom Jr.’s children, Kiley and Connor, began volunteering at the fundraising events as young children. As a baby, Kiley would attend the board meetings with her mother, but only if she promised not to share any of the info shared, haha!
Kiley and her husband, Brett, are longtime supporters of RMHC SWFL and attend the Storybook Ball each year. Their daughter, Baby Rylee, is already “volunteering” in the kitchen with Grandma Beverly, as shown in the pictures below. Even Brett’s family has joined the mission! His younger sister Olivia is a Girl Scout, and she and her mom have donated boxes of Girl Scout Cookies for our families to enjoy.
Connor and his wife, Lauren, regularly cook and bake for our families and attend our fundraising events. Lauren started volunteering with RMHC SWFL in high school to fulfill service hours at Bishop Verot and has been part of the RMHC family ever since. Lily, her younger sister, followed in her footsteps and volunteered at some of our events. That said, she was a perfect match to come into the Fewster family! Lauren has helped fulfill Christmas wish lists and delivered Positive Notes from her students. This year, Connor encouraged his employer, Fidelity, to sponsor a table at the Storybook Ball, and they did!
Many may not realize that Beverly’s family, the Rocques, have also been instrumental to our mission. Her parents, Bob and Vivian Rocque, were early supporters and longtime attendees of Storybook Ball, and they helped represent RMHC Global at several McDonald’s Worldwide Conventions. The Rocque Family has contributed significantly to our local Chapter and RMHC Global.
That legacy has come full circle. Years ago, Beverly’s niece Stacey was hospitalized as a baby, and her parents, Beverly’s brother and sister-in-law, stayed at a Ronald McDonald House. Recently, Stacey turned to a Family Room herself while her infant son received care in Virginia. Her parents, who began attending our Storybook Ball after moving to Southwest Florida a few years ago, are becoming even more involved. This summer, they will start cooking meals for our families.
From sandbagging for luminaries to leading galas, from booth duty to baking, the Fewster and Rocque families have done it all. To the generations of these two beautiful families: thank you. Your kindness, commitment, and love have shaped not just a House, but a home for hundreds of families over the decades.
Thanks to all the incredible and generous volunteers out there! You are all so very special!
