[Lansing, Michigan] — Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan in Lansing and Ronald McDonald House Ann Arbor are going head-to-head in the 3rd annual Battle for the Houses campaign presented by Meijer.
This twist on an old rivalry is a collective effort to raise funds and increase volunteerism at both Ronald McDonald Houses to ultimately support families of hospitalized children in both communities. TJ Duckett (MSU football 1999 – 2001) and Mike Martin (UM football 2008 – 2011) are leading the teams in this worthy competition. In 2022, Sara and TJ Duckett’s youngest son required critical care in his first year of life.
Being able to stay at Ronald McDonald House Ann Arbor was a relief during the extended stay. TJ and his wife Sara were already familiar with Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan after volunteering for years. With both Houses holding a special place in their hearts, they wanted to do something to benefit families of hospitalized children in both communities, and that resulted in the inaugural Battle for the Houses in 2023.
Centered around the MSU v. UM rivalry, the campaign wraps up on game day, October 25, and there are multiple ways for the community to join Team Green in the Battle. Wed., Oct. 22 6:00 p.m. at the Varsity S Club inside Spartan Stadium: Pre-Game Press Conference for Fans will feature Duckett and additional MSU alumni legends who will talk about football rivalries of years past with Martin and other UM alumni players at the exclusive MSU Varsity S Club.
Tickets are $100 and will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of ticket purchaser’s choice. Appetizers will be served, and a special dessert will be provided by Sweet Encounter Bakery.
Thurs., Oct. 23 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub: Fans of all ages will gather in East Lansing to celebrate Team Green and the Spartans ahead of the big game against the Wolverines. Zeke the Wonderdog, MSU cheerleaders and surprise guests will join the celebration! Sat., Oct. 25, (time TBD when game is announced) at Meijer Fan Fest, MSU Campus: MSU fans and Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan supporters are encouraged to drop by, play games and pick up giveaways and sweet treats.
A joint fundraising page at www.battleforthehouses.com displays live monetary results on the leaderboard, an opportunity to purchase tickets to the Pre-Game Press Conference event, and a link to purchase Battle t-shirts. “Battle for the Houses has provided incredible support for Ronald McDonald House Mid- Michigan and the families of hospitalized children that we serve,” said Carolyn Hurst, Executive Director of RMHC Mid-Michigan.
“The MSU vs. UM rivalry is an opportunity to build excitement and engage the community in support of our local Ronald McDonald House. At the end of the competition, one thing is for sure, all families at Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan in Lansing and Ronald McDonald House Ann Arbor are the true winners." Ronald McDonald House Mid-Michigan is grateful for its 2025 event sponsors: Meijer, Streamline, Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub, Tyson Foods, Martin Brower, Saputo Family McDonald’s, The Bear Factory, The Idea People, Video Vision 360, Sweet Encounter Bakery, Popity Popcorn Co., and MSU Federal Credit Union. For more information and tickets to the Pre-Game Press Conference on October 22, visit www.battleforthehouses.com. For more information about Ronald McDonald House Mid- Michigan, visit www.rmhmm.org.
