MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In June, Rosenbaum Family House (RFH) will celebrate its founder, Hilda Rosenbaum, and her legacy on what would have been her 100th birthday during its “Bluegrass in the Backwoods” special fundraising event.
Rosenbaum recognized the need for affordable accommodations as she traveled the country seeking care for her young daughter, Nancy, more than 40 years ago. Her vision and generosity enabled WVU Hospitals to establish the facility and expand to its current 40-room site 11 years ago.
“It is hard to believe my mother would have been 100 this year. She had such a big heart and a deep belief that no one should face a medical crisis alone,” Debbie Rosenbaum Jones, Hilda’s daughter, said. “The Rosenbaum Family House was her dream, and it means the world to see how many lives it continues to touch. I know she would be overjoyed by the Bluegrass in the Backwoods event, and I am excited to be there to see the community coming together in her honor.”
Rosenbaum Family House provides a place for adult patients and their families or caregivers to stay while receiving medical care at WVU Hospitals. Since its inception in 1999, RFH has provided lodging for over 30,000 families when they needed it most.
“Healing goes beyond hospital walls. Rosenbaum Family House is more than just a place to stay. It’s a home away from home, offering comfort, support, and a caring community for patients and their loved ones during life’s hardest moments,” Thad Welch, RFH associate director of development, said. “With affordable lodging, warm meals, and fellowship, we ease the burdens of medical travel, allowing families to focus on what truly matters: healing.”
Hilda’s Centennial Celebration will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 at the Forks of Cheat Winery. The Hillbilly Biscuits are among the bluegrass musicians performing. There will be activities, a silent auction, and a variety of games.
Proceeds from the event will help support a variety of RFH programs, including the Care and Comfort Fund, which pays the room balance for families in need, and the Meal Program.
For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit Give.WVU.edu/RFHBluegrass.
To support RFH, visit Support Us – Rosenbaum Family House or contact Elizabeth Kanosky, public relations specialist and house coordinator, at elizabeth.kanosky@wvumedicine.org.
