Photo by NorthPark

Ronald McDonald House Dallas is a non-profit facility that houses families whose children receive essential medical care. The house serves thousands of families annually, funded by donations and fundraisers like The Trains at NorthPark.

For over 30 years, NorthPark Center has hosted an exhibition of hundreds of trains along a 1,600-foot track funded by purchasing customized railcars and tickets to the exhibition.

“The Trains at NorthPark is such an important part of our year at Ronald McDonald House Dallas,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO. “We are once again operating at full capacity, but our expenses have risen over the last six months because of surging electricity and utility costs, and don’t forget, RMHD provides our services free of charge. Everyone who sponsors, purchases a railcar, or attends the Trains at NorthPark makes a real difference in helping to defray these costs.”

Since its inception, The Trains at NorthPark have raised over $18 million for Ronald McDonald House Dallas.

“I have two kids, one is 14 and the other is 11. We’ve been going for many years and had a rail car for years,” Event Chair Lindsay Jacaman said. “I always felt proud to see it displayed with the exhibit, especially knowing that they’ve raised over $18 million.”

For many families, the decision to purchase a train is a personal one.

“My sister has cerebral palsy, very mild,” Jacaman said. “However, when she was younger she had multiple surgeries, and I remember sitting in waiting rooms and hospitals, watching my mom try to juggle everything. Having toured Ronald McDonald House and knowing that its the way to provide that home away from home and families are going through these unspeakably difficult times really connects me and draws me into the organization.”

The Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas, which generates more than 50,000 visitors annually. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens.

Purchase of the trains range from $200 to $350 which can be purchased throughout the season. The deadline to purchase railcars in time for opening day is October 4. The cars can be purchased online at www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com.