“Find something you’re passionate about
and keep tremendously interested in it.”
– Julia Child
Ronald McDonald House San Diego provides a “home away from home” for families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House emerged from the collective voices and vision of parents who knew firsthand the struggles that come to both children with cancer and the families who support them. With Donald Schwartz, MD, founding medical director of the cancer care center at Children’s Hospital (now Rady Children’s Hospital), and hospital social worker Irma Gusfield, this visionary collective brought forward a movement that has literally changed the lives of thousands of families with hospitalized children. Joann Stabile is on the Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego (RMHCSD) philanthropy team and a donor as well as a supporter of the House through her catering company. Joann is also the title sponsor of the “Dinner with Friends” event.
#1 I spent most of my life in Southern California, though my childhood was not very conventional. It taught me resilience and how to create a sense of home and connection wherever I am – something that continues to shape both my life and my work.
#2 I love traveling, exploring local markets, discovering restaurants, and design – especially creating environments that feel both beautiful and inviting.
#3 I am endlessly inspired by Italy and the way life centers around food, beauty, and time spent together. I would like to visit Japan – its precision, artistry, and reverence for detail deeply resonate with me.
#4 Much of my work is driven by intuition. Some of my best ideas come from instinct rather than structure.
#5 My favorite book is “Setting the Table” – a meaningful perspective on hospitality and human connection.
#6 I have two senior chihuahuas, Chloe and Nala. They are my calm, sweet little “grandma dogs” and bring a grounding energy to my life.
#7 Since 1980, San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House has been an independent, locally run charitable organization dedicated to keeping families together when it matters most.
#8 Studies have shown that children heal faster when families are near, and parents and healthy siblings can manage challenges better when residing together.
#9 Hospitals require an adult to be present for treatments, so our House helps to make long-term and advanced treatments for children possible.
#10 RMHCSD’s mission to support families during difficult times deeply resonates with me. Creating spaces that feel comforting and supportive is at the heart of what I do, and I am honored to contribute in any way I can.
Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego
“Back to the 80’s” – Dinner with Friends
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Del Sur Ranch House
15455 Paseo del Sur
In Del Sur
www.rmhcsd.org
