Say what you will about McDonald’s and the contributions the fat-laden foods on its menu have made to the decline in public health, but there’s no arguing with the Ronald McDonald House’s purpose to provide housing for the parents of children who suffer with pediatric cancer. Officials who operate the Ronald McDonald House that serves Greater Buffalo wanted a traditionally crafted sign for their facility, and contacted Francis Lestingi, owner of Signs of Gold (Williamsville, NY).
He designed the sign using Adobe Illustrator, and he and his son, Stephen, built the 3 x 5-ft. sign with a saber saw and carving chisels. Then, they applied 23.75k goldleaf, and affixed a heart applique, which was also carved from mahogany, with West System two-part epoxy. The Lestingis built the posts from Southern yellow pine and dug and poured its concrete foundation. They decorated the signface and posts with Jay Cooke’s Primer and TJ Ronan bulletin enamels.