Heart of RMHC Award

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Mike Kelley’s dedication to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck   (RMHC) mission is unmatched, and his service as a retired McDonald's Owner/Operator from Dickinson, ND, has left a lasting legacy.  When the house was founded, Mike Kelley and Mort Bank were the McDonald's owner-operators in the service area, and both were instrumental in helping the house get built. Mike’s leadership and vision have brought significant support to the house, particularly through the Cabin Fever Benefit, an annual event held in Dickinson North Dakota he helped establish that has raised over $1,200,000 to support families in need. Through his hard work, Mike not only helped organize an outstanding community event but also created a space where people could come together to make a difference. The funds raised have allowed countless families to stay close to their children during critical medical treatments, reinforcing RMHC’s mission to provide comfort and care (1,087 families from the Stark County/Dickinson area have stayed at the house from 1992-2023).

Receiving the Heart of RMHC Award is a well-deserved recognition of Mike’s deep commitment and his enduring impact on the community. Mike’s generosity and unwavering support have not only contributed to the financial stability of RMHC Bismarck but have also inspired countless others to join in the mission. His leadership has ensured that families can find a "home away from home" when they need it most, and his efforts will be felt by the organization and the families it serves for years to come.  

Dennis and Debbie Sotebeer exemplify the spirit of compassion, dedication, and service that lies at the heart of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) mission. As longtime McDonald's Owner/Operator and former board members of RMHC Bismarck, Dennis and Debbie have been instrumental in supporting the Bismarck Ronald McDonald House. Their generosity and commitment have not only helped fund essential programs but also provided a sense of comfort and care for countless children and their families. Through their leadership, they have inspired a legacy of giving back, which has contributed to strengthening and growing the organization.

Receiving the Heart of RMHC Award is a testament to the Sotebeer’s unwavering dedication to creating a positive impact in our community. Their efforts have extended beyond financial support; they have been true advocates, investing their time and energy as Board Members as well as sponsors, and volunteers at our annual Golf Tournament, as well as countless other special events and fundraising initiatives.  Their legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire the organization and community they have deeply impacted. The RMHC family honors Dennis and Debbie Sotebeer with gratitude, celebrating their profound contributions and the lasting difference they’ve made in the lives of so many.

Kathy Keiser’s 32 years as the Executive Director of RMHC Bismarck represent a lifetime of commitment to the health and well-being of families in need. Through her compassionate leadership and tireless dedication, Kathy has transformed RMHC Bismarck into a beacon of hope, creating a haven for countless families facing medical challenges through stays at the Ronald McDonald House and the thousands of kids that have been served the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of North Dakota. Her remarkable ability to connect with people and make everyone feel valued and supported has left an indelible impact on the lives of families, staff, and the entire community. Under her guidance, RMHC Bismarck grew stronger and more capable, enabling it to serve even more families with dignity, comfort, and care.

Receiving the Heart of RMHC Award is a fitting tribute to Kathy’s extraordinary service and the legacy she leaves behind. Kathy’s vision and hard work have laid a foundation of compassion that will continue to guide RMHC Bismarck for years to come. Her deep empathy and dedication to the RMHC mission have inspired all who have had the privilege of working with her, leaving an enduring mark on the organization. Her spirit of kindness and commitment remains woven into the fabric of RMHC Bismarck, and she is celebrated not only as a leader but as a beloved friend and advocate for families in need. 

Carol Meyers-Dobler played an instrumental role in bringing the Ronald McDonald House to Bismarck, helping transform a visionary idea into a welcoming home for families facing some of their most difficult moments. As a founding Board Member, she dedicated countless hours to establishing the foundation, structure, and mission that continue to guide the organization today. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in the importance of keeping families close helped ensure that the House would become a trusted resource for parents and children seeking comfort, stability, and support during medical crises.

Carol’s early contributions created a legacy that still shapes RMHC Bismarck. Through her advocacy, community connections, and steadfast commitment to service, she helped build not just a House, but a culture of care that extends to every family who walks through our doors. Her vision for a place where families could find rest, hope, and strength has had a lasting impact on thousands of lives, and her continued support and dedication remain an inspiring example of what it means to give generously from the heart.

When the idea of bringing a Ronald McDonald House to Bismarck was still just a hopeful conversation, Mort Bank—then a McDonald’s Owner/Operator—saw the possibility long before anyone else. He understood the power of the Ronald McDonald House mission from within the McDonald’s system, and he recognized how deeply families in central and western North Dakota needed a place of comfort and connection during medical crises. Mort became one of the driving forces behind turning that vision into reality. His leadership, energy, and belief in the mission helped rally community partners, secure early support, and lay the groundwork for what would become a lasting pillar of care in the Bismarck region. Through his commitment, the path to establishing the House became not just possible, but unstoppable.

Alongside him, his wife Shelly Bank stepped into a vital leadership role as a member of the first Board of Directors. Shelly brought compassion, organization, and a strong sense of purpose to the early years of RMHC Bismarck, helping ensure that the new House would be built on values that truly supported families. Her thoughtful guidance and willingness to serve shaped the House’s culture from the beginning—ensuring it would be warm, welcoming, and family-centered. Together, Mort and Shelly created more than a building; they helped build a legacy of comfort, hope, and community support that continues to serve thousands of families to this day.

Gary Conlon has been a steadfast champion for the Ronald McDonald House, bringing unwavering dedication and heart to his role as a member of the Cabin Fever committee. His leadership, creativity, and commitment helped strengthen one of RMHC Bismarck’s key fundraising events, ensuring it remained a meaningful and successful tradition year after year. Gary’s ability to bring people together—paired with his genuine passion for supporting families facing medical challenges—made him an invaluable part of the committee’s work. His efforts not only helped raise vital funds, but also inspired others to get involved, broadening the community’s connection to the mission.

Beyond his work with Cabin Fever, Gary has been a vital link between the Ronald McDonald House and families throughout the Dickinson area. He has consistently advocated for the needs of families seeking medical care far from home, helping ensure they knew that RMHC Bismarck was here to support them with comfort, stability, and a place to call home during difficult moments. Whether through outreach, community connections, or quiet acts of kindness, Gary’s contributions have touched countless lives. His dedication has strengthened the lifeline between Dickinson and the House, ensuring that families from western North Dakota always feel seen, supported, and welcomed.