17 Mar Fueling Hope: Sunshine Gasoline Raised Over $500,000 for RMHC South Florida
March 17, 2026 — We are thrilled to announce that the most recent “Fuel Hope for Families” initiative, led by Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, successfully raised $514,445.68 to support the operations of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of South Florida. From November 2024 through November 2025, Sunshine Gasoline dedicated 1 cent from every gallon pumped at 50 participating stations across South Florida.
To understand how a single cent per gallon became a half-million-dollar lifeline, we sat down with Eduardo Alvarez, RMHC-SFL Board Member and Senior Operations Manager at Sunshine Gasoline, to discuss the heart behind the pumps.
The journey began in 2021 with a simple, humble idea: dedicate one gasoline pump to donate 1 cent per gallon sold to the Ronald McDonald House.
“The more we learned about RMHC, the scope quickly began to grow,” Eduardo recalls. That single pump blossomed into a massive regional effort, incorporating 100 dispensers across South Florida. We increased engagement through social media and contests, the campaign shifted from a passive donation to a high-energy community movement.” — Eduardo Alvarez
For Sunshine Gasoline, being family-owned isn’t just a business structure; it’s a philosophy. “Sunshine Gasoline has always believed in leading by example,” says Eddy. “We selfishly want our community to thrive and prosper. We have been very blessed in our line of work and believe we need to be a blessing to others. We hope by doing this, other communities will take notice and follow our example.”
While the numbers are impressive, the motivation is deeply personal for Alvarez. As a father, walking through the House is a reminder of the fragility of health and the strength of family.
“Every time I walk through the House, I always get the feeling that I am not doing enough,” he shares. “Only in my worst dreams can I imagine one of my kids going through any one of the conditions these children have without my wife or me. During what might be one of the most difficult times in your child’s life, family can be that extra courage and strength that sees a child to recovery.” — Eduardo Alvarez
Alvarez’s drive is fueled by the memories of the families he meets. He recalls a young girl who had been in and out of the House for five years. When he learned she had passed away shortly after being released, it crystallized his sense of responsibility. “I feel a responsibility to these families to do everything I can to help.”
When asked what he would say to a family currently fighting for their child’s health at the House, Eddy’s message is one of faith and solidarity: “Everything you need is right here. You’re at one of the best hospitals in the country, you have staff that will help you with whatever you need, and most importantly, you’re together. God will always be by your side.”
“Doing something as simple as pumping gas is making the biggest difference in a child’s life,” says Eddy. “These are donations that you can see benefiting families in real time.” Eddy’s dream for the future is simple but bold: “My goal is to never have a family turned away.”
We are incredibly grateful to Sunshine Gasoline Distributors for their extraordinary generosity and unwavering partnership in fueling hope for the families we serve. Their commitment to making a difference in our community has not only provided critical support for our “Hope Has a New Home” Capital Campaign but has also brought comfort, stability, and peace of mind to countless families during some of their most challenging moments. To the thousands of South Floridians who chose a Sunshine Gas pump this year, thank you!