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New Yorkers gathered for special ‘Share A Night’ event, which featured festivities throughout the House and raised critical funds for the organization
New York, December 4, 2019 – Hundreds of New Yorkers, donors, volunteers and supporters joined Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) and its families at Share A Night, celebrating four decades of keeping families close to each other and to the treatment their children need as they fight cancer.
RMH-NY hosted the event, which was open to the public and featured various festivities throughout the House including: performances by the dynamic female jazz band DIVA and the Tony Award-winning Broadway Inspirational Voices; a McDonald’s McCafé pop-up station; food by Tony’s DiNapoli and the New York Athletic Club; sweet treats by Tenth and Pike Sweet Shop; Macy’s iconic holiday display; and more.
“For 40 years, Ronald McDonald House New York has helped thousands of families with children who are battling cancer by creating an environment where they can experience a sense of normalcy during this devastating time and make happy memories together,” said Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of RMH-NY. “Share A Night was a wonderful celebration of the impact we’ve been able to make over the last four decades, and also raised critical funds that will advance our mission. We are grateful to our volunteers, donors, partners and community members for their ongoing support.”
During Share A Night, community members celebrated the spirit of the holidays with RMH-NY families in the festively decorated House on E. 73rd Street. The special event kicked off with a gathering in the lobby of the House and brief remarks by RMH-NY friends and leadership, commemorating the organization’s 40th anniversary.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed food, drinks and performances on the first, second and third floors of the House. RMH-NY families also celebrated with an exclusive 40th anniversary party in the Playroom, with food provided by E.J.’s Luncheonette, desserts by Baked By Melissa and Cookie DŌ NYC, and music by Larry Gold’s Unique Musique Entertainment. Meagan Celeste, founder of MDC Productions, served as event chair, and Swoop led the event coordination and planning.
In honor of RMH-NY’s 40th anniversary, the public is encouraged to contribute $40 to the organization. Funds raised will help cover the cost of a family’s night stay, which is $310. To donate, please visit: https://www.rmh-newyork.org/.
Since 1979, RMH-NY has provided temporary housing and support to families with children who are battling cancer. The organization has supported 59,000 families from across the U.S. and around the world through each stage of their journey through a variety of programs and services.
Research shows that while 20% of a person’s recovery from illness is based on clinical care, 80% is socially determined. RMH-NY’s initiatives have had a significant impact over the years: less than two decades ago, approximately 80% of children staying at the House during treatment did not make it, and today, 80% survive and thrive. The organization addresses these social factors through economic/financial assistance, food and nutrition, early childhood development, music and arts, transportation, peer-to-peer support, education, language access, culturally competent programming, and wellness services for family caregivers.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Ronald McDonald House New York provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. Located on East 73rd Street in Manhattan and in close proximity to 8 major hospital systems, Ronald McDonald House New York welcomes children and families from across the world. The House can accommodate 95 families including 6 post-transplant suites. They offer additional support through wellness programs, tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, and camaraderie. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort. Lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with such a devastating diagnosis and families fighting cancer find the hope and support they need.