The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island’s 25th anniversary gala at Citi Field raised $500,000 for the organization during a night of casino games, celebrity impersonators, and flash mobs — all for a great cause.
Several stilt walkers and the infamous Ronald McDonald greeted more than 500 guests to The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island’s 25th Anniversary Gala at Citi Field. Guests walked the red carpet along with Joan Rivers and Rod Stewart impersonators, tried their luck at the casino, placed bids at a silent auction, and were surprised by a flash-mob performance by more than 60 dancers from Maryann’s Dance Studio and the Long Island Dance Project.
The event raised half a million dollars to support RMH-LI’s mission of keeping families and seriously ill children together during difficult times. During the celebration, RMH-LI announced plans for a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital—a place for parents to rest and regroup while their child is being treated at the hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide support for families of more than 7,000 children who are hospitalized each year at Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital.
Looking Back…Moving Forward was the theme of RMH-LI’s gala, which honored Mrs. Lyn Jurick—the founding president of The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Jurick’s vision, along with the determination of her fellow founding board of directors, built the foundation of what is now known as The House that Love Built.
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is the 100th House of more than 300 Ronald McDonald House programs worldwide. Located in New Hyde Park on the campus of the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. For more information, visit rmhlongisland.org.
