CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Volunteer hours have been cut down and in-person fundraisers have been canceled at the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte because of COVID-19.

Dennise Cubbedge, the Ronald McDonald House CEO, said that doesn’t mean expenses have gone down.

“The needs are still real. The house is still running, families are still here,” Cubbedge said.

Now they are hoping to score big with the virtual tailgating fundraiser, Jerseys & Jewels.

You can get ready for your tailgating experience by buying a huddle for the house box full of tailgating gear like sunglasses, beads, and boxes of cookies.

The Jerseys & Jewels virtual tailgate will also have a silent and live auction.

Marnie Schneider’s grandfather founded Ronald McDonald House. She has grown up seeing the impact it has for families whose children are receiving life-saving treatment in nearby hospitals.

“Really, truly, without the donations and without the families participation, families all over the world, this place doesn’t run like it needs to,” Schneider said.

“Right now people feel so isolated in their homes, but this is a chance to really get beyond what you’ve been quarantined in and be a part of something that's so important to this community and so important to this entire globe. It's being able to take care of our communities when they’re in their greatest time of need,” Cubbedge said.

The Jerseys & Jewels virtual tailgate will be held Saturday, September 12.