Older, Wiser, and Still Throwing the Best Parties
Take a look at the video year in review above to catch all of the biggest highlights of 2024!
2024 was a banner year for Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), and like anyone turning 45, we’re a little older, a little wiser, and still capable of throwing a party that’ll knock your socks off. From glitter explosions on Valentine’s Day to 3rd floor terrace barbecues on the 4th of July, this year had it all. Let’s take a fun (and heartwarming) stroll through the joyful moments and the milestones that made this year unforgettable.
Kicking Off the Year with Fireworks and Fortune Cookies
We started 2024 with a bang—literally. New Year’s Eve at the House featured families, staff, and volunteers partying like it was 1999 (but with better snacks). By February, the Lunar New Year brought a celebration full of color, energy, and delicious treats. The festivities included crafting traditional Chinese lanterns in the playroom to cooking traditional cuisine in the kitchen that had kids (and adults) completely mesmerized. It was a moment to reflect on shared cultures and the power of community support.
And Valentine’s Day? Oh, the iconic “Share the Love Wall” was back, filled with heartfelt messages, glitter, and at least one (fake) marriage proposal (we’re still waiting on their RSVP for next year). Joking aside, the Love Wall is an RMH-NY tradition showcasing messages of hope and gratitude from families who found comfort at RMH-NY.
Spring: Crafting, Community, and Skating with the Greats
As winter finally thawed, we hopped into “Hoppy Spring”—a day filled with crafts, treats, and a visit from the Spring Bunny and the FDNY that brought smiles all around. Families came together to decorate eggs and share stories, turning the activity into a bonding moment that will be cherished forever. Spring also brought the crowd-favorite “Songs in the Key of Me,” with Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) where Broadway composers teamed with kids in the House to write and perform completely original tunes. The performances were as moving as they were joyful, reminding everyone why RMH-NY’s programs are so special.
The cherry on top of spring was "Skate with the Greats," featuring none other than hockey legend Henrik Lundqvist and so many other former New York Rangers. Families and supporters, like RBC Capital Markets, hit the ice with Henrik and the gang, raising funds and sharing unforgettable moments. It was a unique blend of sportsmanship and philanthropy that left everyone inspired to support the House just like the great Rod Gilbert did for so many years.
In May, the NYPD Summer Party turned up the heat with barbecue, games, and tons of outside fun for our families. The event emphasized how much fun events sponsored by our community partnerships can be for the whole House.
Summer: Sweating for a Cause
By July 4th, the House celebrated independence with a 3rd floor terrace barbecue featuring a trip to the Hudson River and a front row seat for the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show. The families were so close they could feel the heat.
Our Great Days program made a triumphant return in the summer of 2024 taking our family on day long excursions to waterparks, museums, and so many other fun places around NYC.
As summer came to a close, the House said hello to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Families celebrated with staff and volunteers and helped create awareness across NYC.
Fall: Celebration and Gratitude
As the leaves changed, the House embraced community spirit. September's hugely successful Block Party brought neighbors, donors, and families together for a block-wide celebration. The event featured live music, food trucks, and enough cotton candy to keep everyone smiling for weeks. It wasn’t just fun—it was a testament to how RMH-NY brings people together for a common cause.
October brought the 31st Annual Gala and 45th Anniversary celebration. It was a true showstopper, celebrating 45 years of making miracles happen. Guests enjoyed heartfelt speeches, jaw-dropping performances, and desserts so good, we almost auctioned them off. The fearless cancer survivor Zoey shared her inspiring story, reminding everyone why RMH-NY exists. The evening also honored Michael McElroy and the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, Dr. Mitchell Katz, for their incredible contributions. It was a night of gratitude, hope, and glamour.
By November, Thanksgiving rolled around, and we served a feast full of warmth and gratitude. With 84,825 meals served this year, it’s safe to say we’ve perfected the art of comfort food. Families reflected on what they were thankful for, creating a moment of togetherness and community that made the holiday even more special.
Expanding Reach: Two New Family Rooms
One of the year’s most remarkable achievements was the opening of two new Family Rooms, expanding RMH-NY’s reach and resources to help even more local NYC families in need.
At Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, the new Family Room became a haven for parents and caregivers navigating the stress of pediatric treatment. It’s the first family room to offer overnight quarters for families. Similarly, the new Family Room at Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, created in partnership with The Garden of Dreams Foundation, brought our total family room count to four. These spaces provide a calm, supportive environment where families can step away from the clinical atmosphere to decompress, even if just for a moment, while always staying steps away from their child.
These Family Rooms recorded over 7,400 visits combined this year. Parents described them as sanctuaries—a place to grab a coffee, connect with other caregivers, or simply recharge. The expansion represents RMH-NY’s unwavering commitment to health equity, ensuring more families can access the care and resources they need, no matter their zip code.
Wrapping Up with 31 Days of Cheer
December brought the return of "31 Days of Cheer," a month-long celebration filled with festive activities, crafts, and surprises for families staying at the House. From holiday-themed movie nights to visits from Santa, the House was buzzing with joy. The program ensured every family felt the warmth and magic of the holiday season, proving once again that RMH-NY is so much more than just a place to stay.
Celebrities At the House
The House was buzzing with celebrity friends this year. Old favorites like Chris Pratt, Sebastian Stan, Don Saladino with special visits from James Marsden and the real Sonic, the Hedgehog, Chris Hemsworth, and even visits from some our amazing old friends like Emily Blunt and Liam Neeson. Even Daniel Jones stopped by the house during Halloween week, served dinner to all the families and brought brand-new costumes for every kid in the House. It was definitely a star-studded year at the House. Go Programs!
By the Numbers: Holy Guacamole, We Did That?
Let’s break down the jaw-dropping stats from 2024.
Spoiler alert: we were on point in 2024!
- Families Served: 941
- Nights Stayed: 28,289
- Meals Served: 84,825
- Rides Given: 16,566 (13,435 with new partners, Uber Health)
- In-House Programs Utilized: 6,642
- Hospital Programs Delivered: 15,557
- Family Room Visits: 15,137 (all family rooms)
- Wellness Center Visits: 7,427
- Countries Served: 40
- States/Provinces Represented: 46
- Languages Spoken: 16
- Major Hospital Partners: Memorial Sloan Kettering (1,016 families), Mount Sinai (207 families), Morgan Stanley (198 families), and NYU Langone (155 families).
And let’s not forget the Community Health Team, which served 865 low-income individuals, completed 593 social needs screenings, and provided 1,161 navigation services. These numbers are more than stats—they’re stories of lives changed, challenges overcome, and communities strengthened.
Looking Back to Look Ahead
This year wasn’t just about celebrating milestones; it was about setting the stage for an even brighter future. The new Family Rooms expanded community health initiatives, and continued focus on health equity all point to a mission that’s growing and thriving. RMH-NY remains committed to being there for every family, at every step of their journey.
As we wrap up 2024, we’re already gearing up for 2025. Think bigger events, expanded wellness programs, and so much more.
None of this would be possible without the superheroes who make RMH-NY what it is: our volunteers, board members, and donors.
From the bottom of our hearts (and our glitter-covered craft tables), thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support fuels the magic of RMH-NY, creating a home away from home for families when they need it most.
Da Esperanza
Give to Ronald McDonald House New York and directly impact families in need.
