Families who now stay at the Kiwanis room at the Ronald McDonald House have a refreshing and welcoming living space thanks to the Noon Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills.

The club earlier this summer undertook a major renovation of the small apartment, providing a new look and a new feel to the living quarters.

The Ronald McDonald House provides free or low-cost housing to out-of-town families who have children afflicted with major medical issues and are often being treated or hospitalized at a nearby facility.

The Noon Kiwanis Club has been providing home-made dinners on a regular basis for many years to families staying at the home.

“It came to our attention that the Kiwanis apartment was showing some wear and could use a facelift,” said club President Matt Jefferson. “So our board decided to get behind this hands-on project and see how we could help out.”

The apartment had been sponsored previously by several area Kiwanis clubs, but a quick renovation was needed at this time.

Kiwanians Mike Scharnow and Jerrod Stearnes agreed to co-chair the rehab project in coordination with officials at the Roanoke Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix.

Proceeds from the February “Super” pancake breakfast, funds garnered through aluminum can collection by Paul “Kan Man” Appeldorn and a Thrivent Financial grant all went toward the rehab.

The ceiling and all walls were painted, a new large-screen TV and DVD player were installed and new draperies and comforters were purchased. Plumbing fixtures were replaced and updated along with repairs to lights and the ceiling fan. Some furniture was modernized and other pieces were added as well.

Other decorative accessories topped off the apartment’s new look.

“The entire Junk family deserves praise for helping in so many ways,” said Scharnow. “Keith, our incoming club president, and daughter-in-law Megan really stepped up big time.”

Megan and husband Bryan mentioned the project to local painter Jon Kimling, who operates J’s Painting in town, and he immediately jumped on board.

Kimling donated the paint, supplies and labor to finish the first step in the major rehab project.

“That was a tremendous help both financially and for our schedule, since we were on a short timeframe to finish everything,” Scharnow said. “We appreciate his willingness to help out with such a good cause.”

Penny Junk contributed her skills to the project along with Russ Albanese and his plumbing prowess.

Scharnow and Stearnes did much of the purchasing along with installation of electronic items, fixtures, touch up, etc.

“The crowning achievement was actually done by Megan, a talented artist who painted an inspiring mural on a dominant wall featuring a unique tree and leaves,” Scharnow said. “She did most of the decorative touches and matched up the colors perfectly.

“Families who stay in this apartment deserve to feel welcome and peaceful and hopeful. This Kiwanis apartment helps achieve that.

“They are going through incredible challenges with major medical issues affecting their children.

“We are hopeful this room gives them some rest and comfort.”

Noon Kiwanis

The motto of Kiwanis International is “serving the children of the world.”

The Noon Kiwanis Club has held several successful fundraisers this year and gave out thousands to worthy causes and programs, most of them youth-oriented.

The club also emphasizes hands-on service projects, such as Make a Difference Day, Day of Play, Kiwanis One Day, making dinner for residents of Ronald McDonald House, volunteering at Extended Hands Food Bank and others.

The club also organizes successful youth leadership programs at the Middle School through its Builders Club and K-Kids.

The Noon Kiwanis Club meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 12 noon at Fountain View Village.

Information is available at fhkiwanis.org; the group also has a Facebook page.