Preparation and Anticipation: The Early Hours
The day begins with a flurry of activity as the first shipments of hot chocolate and cake cups arrive. These humble beginnings set the stage for the Miracle on 73rd Street, a carefully orchestrated event at Ronald McDonald House New York. Families gather for an early Happy Hour in the dining room at 2:30 PM, while volunteers, armed with knowledge and enthusiasm, start their preparations.
A Detailed Dance: Run of Show in Action
The heartbeat of the event is the detailed Run of Show created and executed by the Volunteers Team. It’s a comprehensive guide outlining every aspect of the day. Volunteers arrive at 3:00 PM to set the stage for the upcoming Family Happy Hour. RBC volunteers join in at 4:45 PM, serving dinner, while IT takes charge of setting up the sound system outside. Meticulous coordination ensures that every element aligns seamlessly with the schedule.
Volunteer Briefing: Assignments and Roles
As 5:15 PM approaches, volunteers and the Family Support team gather for a briefing. From manning treat stations to overseeing general crowd control, each RMH-NY staff member and volunteer plays a vital role in bringing the event to life. The magic lies in the diversity of tasks and the shared commitment to creating an unforgettable experience.
Transitioning to the Main Event: Families and Logistics
By 5:50 PM, families transition from the dining room to 73rd Street for the main event. Careful consideration is given to immunocompromised children in rooms too high for Santa to access—they find refuge in the Playroom. The logistical dance ensures that every child and family, irrespective of their circumstances, is part of the magic unfolding outside.
Community Support: NYPD's Toy Drive and Carolers
The NYPD adds an extra layer of community involvement. Mike Lombardi and PJ Conley from the NYPD have wrangled almost 50 officers from local stations to deliver hundreds of toys thanks to generous donors from Engine 44 and the 19th Precinct to the children currently staying at the House on East 73rd Street. Simultaneously, carolers from Cyprus New York Productions fill the air with festive melodies, providing a musical backdrop that enhances the holiday ambiance. The power of community support is tangible, weaving into the fabric of the Miracle on 73rd Street event.
FDNY and NYPD make Miracle on 73rd Street truly special by delivering loads of packages of toys collected by the organization's annual Toy Drive.
The Grand Finale: FDNY and Santa's Arrival
As the clock approaches 6:25 PM, Alex takes the microphone to express gratitude, setting the stage for Santa's grand entrance. Then, after 15 perfect minutes of suspense, the fire truck approaches, and with it comes the crescendo of excitement from the crowd. Santa's arrival a little after 6:30 PM is the culmination of months of planning and coordination. The fire truck, FDNY's Engine 44 Bobby Jones, and the NYPD seamlessly blend into the festivities, creating a magical moment that transcends the physical and emotional challenges faced by the families in attendance.
Media Coverage: Sharing the Joy
Cancer Survivor and 8-year House veteran, Zea, and mother, Heather, talk to a reporter outside the House.
The Miracle on 73rd Street has garnered attention from various media outlets, highlighting the impact and significance of this heartwarming event. News channels such as NY1, ABC, CBS, Pix 11 and NBC have captured the magical moments, showcasing the unity, community support, and holiday spirit that define the Miracle on 73rd Street.
NY1's coverage provides a visual journey into the event, emphasizing the smiles, laughter, and pure joy on the faces of the children and families. Similarly, NBC's report captures the essence of Christmas coming early at Ronald McDonald House New York, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in brightening the lives of those facing challenging circumstances.
Miracle Media Round-up (selected coverage)
ABC
NY1
NBC
FDNY and NYPD bring gifts and Santa to Ronald McDonald House in NYC
Pix 11
Santa Teams Up with FDNY and NYPD to Deliver Christmas Cheer to Ronald McDonald House New York
CBS
A Miracle of an Event
The Miracle on 73rd Street has garnered attention from various media outlets, highlighting the impact and significance of this heartwarming event. News channels such as NY1, ABC, CBS, Pix 11 and NBC have captured the magical moments, showcasing the unity, community support, and holiday spirit that define the Miracle on 73rd Street.
As Santa waves from the fire truck high above the crowds, and carolers fill the air with festive melodies, Miracle on 73rd Street becomes more than a holiday event – it becomes a community filled with hope, love, and full of holiday spirit. In the face of adversity, this celebration exemplifies the power of togetherness and the ability to spread joy even in the most challenging of times.
Donate today to make certain that Ronald McDonald House New York can continue to provide the most joyous and festive holiday events possible to immerse our families in the spirit of the season and have a moment to forget about trials they currently face.
