If you ever wanted to see New York City’s biggest hearts in one room, all you had to do was be at Pier 60 last Thursday. Imagine a single room filled with star power, hope, and enough generosity to make even Scrooge McDuck blush. The 32nd Annual Ronald McDonald House New York Gala didn’t just mark RMH-NY’s 45th anniversary; it set a new bar for compassion, entertainment, and—yes—fundraising. We raised a whopping $1.1 million in one evening. It’s almost enough to convince you that the magic of the city isn’t just in its skyline, but in its people.
Honoring Champions of Hope
The event kicked off with the electrifying Cheryl Wills, renowned news anchor of ‘NY1 Live at Ten’ and ‘In Focus’ on NY1, as emcee, bringing the audience from laughter to tears with her one-of-a-kind charm. Honorees were celebrated for their incredible contributions, each adding a unique flavor to the night like ingredients in a birthday recipe. And, fittingly, there was a giant birthday card waiting for everyone to sign—a fun, heartfelt way for guests to “leave their mark” on the House’s 45th anniversary celebration!
Ruth Browne, our fierce and compassionate President and CEO, delivered a moving welcome that reminded everyone why they were there. It wasn’t just to enjoy the fabulous entertainment or bid on silent auction items (though, who wouldn’t want to score a dream vacation while helping children in need?). It was to support RMH-NY’s unwavering mission: keeping families close when they need it most.
Those We Wished to Honor
Our featured honorees for the 32nd Annual Gala were Michael McElroy, Broadway Actor, Professor at Howard University in DC, and founder of Broadway Inspirational Voices and Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals.
We are proud to honor both of these incredible gentlemen who have achieved so much and still managed to find time out of their busy schedule to help the children and families of Ronald McDonald House New York.
Entertainment, Installations, and Star Power
If you’re thinking, "Okay, a gala... cocktails, dinner, and some speeches," think again. This gala was packed with installations and interactive activities that made the event feel like a cross between a carnival and a red-carpet affair. The Wine Pull had guests testing their luck, while a life-sized birthday card invited everyone to leave their mark on the celebration. And, of course, there was Plinko. Yes, Plinko! It’s not just for The Price is Right anymore.
But the entertainment didn’t stop there. Broadway Inspirational Voices took the stage and delivered performances that could only be described as spine-tingling. Norm Lewis, the Broadway legend and TV star, brought down the house with his powerful vocals. Oh, and did we mention that Billy Porter from Kinky Boots and Pose was there, dazzling the crowd with his presence? Because he was. And he did.
Zoey’s Journey: A Story of Courage and Triumph
The highlight of the night came in the form of one tiny powerhouse: Zoey Markward. Her parents, Darren and Meyli, shared their emotional story of Zoey’s battle with cancer, a journey no family should ever have to face. But when Zoey herself stepped on stage, the room fell silent. Then she sang The Climb by Miley Cyrus, and not a dry eye was left in the audience.
This was the first time Zoey performed the song without Miley’s voice accompanying her. It was just Zoey, a piano, and 400 captivated people. Her courage was palpable. When she finished, the audience erupted in applause, but Zoey’s moment of triumph wasn’t over. RMH-NY’s Chief Development Officer, Rick Martin, invited her back on stage to ring the bell three times, signifying that she had beaten cancer. Rick explained the beautiful tradition: the bellringing is a celebratory act that marks the end of treatment, and it felt like everyone in the room rang that bell with Zoey in spirit.
Cocktails, Dinner, and a Side of Generosity
The night began with a cocktail hour that was more like a reunion of some of the most passionate supporters of RMH-NY. Old friends caught up, new connections were made, and everyone shared in the excitement of the evening ahead. Once seated for dinner, attendees were treated to not only delicious food and incredible entertainment, but our Honorees were announced and had a moment to speak to RMH-NY’s programs both in and out of the House on East 73rd street.
After the presentations and Zoey’s unforgettable performance, dessert was served, and the installations that had enchanted everyone during the cocktail hour opened back up. The Silent Auction became a hotbed of competitive (and friendly) bidding, raking in $35,000 alone. Luxury vacations, exclusive experiences, and stunning luxury items made sure no one left empty-handed.
Fundraising for the Future: Why We Do What We Do
At the heart of the evening was RMH-NY’s mission: to support families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. But RMH-NY is much more than just a place to stay; it’s a lifeline. Families who stay at the House receive a warm, welcoming environment while their children undergo treatment. It’s a sanctuary in the midst of the chaos of a health crisis.
Funds raised at this year’s gala will support our existing programs, including our much-loved Family Rooms located at NYC Health + Hospitals at Kings County and Elmhurst. These rooms give families a place to rest and regroup, just steps away from their child’s hospital bed. And in exciting news, two new Family Rooms are opening this year, allowing us to expand our reach and impact even more families.
RMH-NY’s strategic growth plan, born out of the COVID-19 crisis, is about more than just survival—it’s about ensuring that every family has access to the care and support they need, when they need it. With your help, we’re building a future where no family faces illness alone.
Our Incredible Sponsors and Volunteers
Of course, none of this would be possible without our sponsors and volunteers. They are the backbone of RMH-NY, and their generosity allows us to keep our doors open to every family that needs us. This year’s major sponsors were nothing short of amazing, and their commitment to our cause is a testament to the power of partnership.
Our volunteers also deserve a standing ovation. Whether they’re offering a friendly smile, organizing activities, or simply lending a listening ear, they make the Ronald McDonald House a true home away from home for every family who walks through our doors.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Compassion
As the night ended, the energy in the room was sensational. The 32nd Annual Ronald McDonald House New York Gala wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community, compassion, and the unwavering spirit of families and supporters alike.
RMH-NY has an unbelievable support system and a line-up of incredible corporate sponsors that make the work we do possible.
Those gala sponsors include:
- AIG
- Mastercard
- Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA)
- Tradeweb
- Montefiore Einstein
- Odyssey Group Foundation
- Deloitte
- Marsh
- PWC
- Howden RE
- The Hartford
As we look to the future, we are more determined than ever to continue expanding our reach, building new Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and providing essential services to families in need. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible—your generosity ensures that RMH-NY will continue to be a beacon of hope for so many families in desperate need for many years to come.
Here’s to 45 more years of making miracles happen, one family at a time.
Thank You
Thank you to Fluerish by Marc Eliot and Cloth Connection for their donations to the Gala presentation.
