Heart of Gold Award presented to Edie and George Lydick

George and Edie Lydick are well-respected members of the Maine McDonald's Owner/Operators and have several restaurants in southern Maine.  Understanding the tremendous need for a Ronald McDonald House to be established in Portland, they provided good advice and counsel to the Stand By Me. Inc. Board of Directors during their efforts to obtain a Ronald McDonald House license from the McDonald's Corporation.  Edie joined the Stand By Me Board that later became the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors and served several terms.  In May, she again became a member serving on the Board.

During the busy, exciting development years Edie served on the Building Committee.  Edie and George's strong teamwork was apparent throughout the process, from helping to select the architect and contractor to being instrumental in obtaining the site. During the first Capital Campaign their personal and corporate support was substantial. This has continued over the years, with the Lydicks holding many promotions at their various restaurants to support the House.  The Sea Dogs Parking Program is one example of how the Lydicks have gone above and beyond to support the families who stay at the House.

Since 2004, Edie & George Lydick and Scott Lydick have generously set aside 25 plus parking spaces at their St. John's Street location during the Portland Sea Dogs home baseball games.  Fans attending the game can park just steps from Hadlock Field when they make a donation to Ronald McDonald House. The Lydicks, along with store manager Troy Demers, coordinate scheduling with their crew and Ronald McDonald House Volunteers to be on hand for each game. Thanks to the Lydicks' efforts, this program has raised thousands of dollars over the past five years to support the House and the families who rely on our services.

The Ronald McDonald House is grateful to have had the ardent, hands-on support of George and Edie since the late 1980s.  Their example of hard work, dedication and giving back to their community has been embraced by the whole Lydick Family resulting in their continued involvement and support for the Ronald McDonald House and for the families it serves.