By David Murchland - Marshfield Now! MARSHFIELD — A new name and logo are marking a new chapter for Marshfield’s Ronald McDonald House, while its mission of helping families stay close to children receiving medical care remains unchanged. Community leaders, supporters, staff and volunteers gathered Oct. 14 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the transition from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield to Ronald McDonald House North Central Wisconsin. The new name officially takes effect Oct. 15. Executive Director John Bauer said the change better reflects the region the organization serves, while maintaining its longstanding connection to Marshfield. “So while Marshfield will always be a special part of our heart and the house will always be here in Marshfield, this truly represents the families, the stories, and the stories that we all come from,” Bauer said. Although the name identifies North Central Wisconsin, Bauer emphasized that families come from wherever a child’s medical needs bring them. The house welcomes families from across Wisconsin and other states, and last year hosted a family from Germany. The rebranding is part of a global effort to give Ronald McDonald House chapters a more consistent, recognizable identity. The new logo features the shape of a house with a heart in the center, reflecting the lodging, meals, comfort and support provided to families. Bauer said the organization is on track to serve nearly 400 families and provide just over 7,000 meals this year. Board President Heidi Giese highlighted the house’s history, recognizing Ron Fish for his service on the original board that helped establish it in 1983. Marshfield became home to Wisconsin’s first Ronald McDonald House and remains one of only three in the state, she said. “We’re fortunate to have the service in our community helping families stay close to children when they need it most,” Giese said. Mayor Nick Poeschel described the house as a longtime neighbor and a reassuring presence in the community. Having lived nearby for years, he said he passes the building frequently and appreciates knowing help is available to families. “It’s always a comfort for me to know that this building is here,” Poeschel said. Fish was invited to perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Afterward, he recalled the community effort that brought the house to Marshfield more than four decades ago, beginning with a phone call asking whether one could be established locally. Bauer thanked donors, volunteers, staff, board members and McDonald’s for their continued support, crediting their collective efforts with keeping the house available to families. The local celebration took place one day before the global brand change and the Oct. 15 anniversary of the first Ronald McDonald House opening in Philadelphia in 1974.