Foundation Opens Park At Mpls. Ronald McDonald House

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two men embarked on a journey 18 years ago to help raise money for children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Now, their own children are coming together to honor them in a special way.

The Luse-O'Hara Foundation has raised $40,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

The house on Oak Street in Minneapolis unveiled its courtyard playground Tuesday, allowing kids to connect with nature.

"It's really engaging with the outdoor environment and really making it accessible to the children and their families, and it's brothers and sisters who share this home," said lead designer Lacy Shelby.

David Luse and Michael O'Hara both passed away at the age of 50.

In September of 2014, their children -- Christine, Allison and Kyle -- hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, the same mountain their fathers hiked in 1998.

The Luse-O'Hara foundation is led by former WCCO anchor Don Shelby, who led the original group of climbers up the mountain in 1998.