Rising leaders from across New York City’s business and professional communities gathered for a special evening and raised nearly $700,000 in support of children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses

Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered at the Edison Ballroom on October 22, marking the 15^th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House New York’s (RMH-NY) Board of Associates (BoA). The Annual Soirée brought together young professionals, alumni and supporters to celebrate the Board’s longstanding commitment to children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.

Over the past 15 years, the Board of Associates has raised nearly $6.7 million through fundraising, advocacy and community engagement, helping RMH-NY provide families with a welcoming place to stay and essential support while their children receive treatment at nearby hospitals. Today, the Board comprises more than 30 emerging leaders across industries, including finance, law, media, marketing, hospitality, and retail. By drawing on their professional expertise, personal networks and individual talents, members help expand awareness of RMH-NY’s mission, engage new supporters and strengthen the community that makes the organization’s work possible.

“For 15 years, the Board of Associates has helped build a strong community of supporters around RMH-NY and its mission,” said Lucretia Gilbert, president and CEO of RMH-NY. “The dedication and leadership of this group help ensure that families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses have a place to turn for comfort, connection and support.”

For Michael Brill, chairman of the Board of Associates, that mission is deeply personal. A cancer survivor who was diagnosed shortly before his tenth birthday, Brill understands firsthand how profoundly a childhood diagnosis can affect a family. His own experience helped inspire his involvement with RMH-NY, where he now leads the group of professionals committed to making a difference for children and families facing serious illness.

"The Soirée is a chance to come together and celebrate a year of hard work by our more than 30 dedicated Board members and our generous supporters, who have helped us raise nearly $700,000 year to date,” said Brill. “We all share the same goal: supporting Ronald McDonald House New York in providing families with a comfortable place to stay, be together and feel a sense of community while their children receive treatment. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we are excited to continue to make a real impact in the years ahead.”

The Annual Soirée is the Board’s yearly celebration, an evening of cocktails and dancing that brings young professionals, alumni and supporters together. The evening reflects the spirit of the Board itself: a dynamic community of emerging New York leaders building relationships, expanding their networks and putting their collective energy toward something meaningful.

RMH-NY supports children and families from New York City, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses through its House on East 73rd Street in Manhattan as well as in partnering New York City hospitals.

About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) provides temporary housing and support services for children and families while they receive treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses at nearby hospitals. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 22 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health within the New York City community. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org.

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