Annual Report 2025
Letter from
the Board Chair
Dear Friends,
It is a privilege to share this year’s annual report with you as Chairman of the Board of Ronald McDonald House New York. This has been a year of meaningful progress, growth, and transformation—made possible by the unwavering support of our community.
I would like to begin by extending my deepest gratitude to my predecessor, Jim Flanagan, for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past two years…
Letter from
the President & CEO
Dear Supporters,
It is with deep humility and great excitement that I share my first annual report letter as President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. Having spent my career in the nonprofit sector, I can say without hesitation that the dedication and compassion I have witnessed here are truly extraordinary. It is an honor to join a community so deeply committed to bringing hope, support, and critical resources to children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses…
Letter from
the Board Chair
Dear Friends,
It is a privilege to share this year’s annual report with you as Chairman of the Board of Ronald McDonald House New York. This has been a year of meaningful progress, growth, and transformation—made possible by the unwavering support of our community.
I would like to begin by extending my deepest gratitude to my predecessor, Jim Flanagan, for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past two years. During his tenure, we reached remarkable milestones, including the opening of new Family Rooms at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan’s Pediatric Clinic and Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein. These expansions have allowed us to extend our reach further into the New York City community, serving more children and families than ever before. Jim’s leadership helped lay the groundwork for continued growth, innovation, and impact.
This year, we are proud to continue that momentum by deepening our presence across New York City. Through our House and Family Room programs, we are meeting families where they are—providing comfort, care, and critical resources across both hospital and community settings. Our commitment to serving more families, and doing so with excellence and compassion, has never been stronger.
A cornerstone of this year’s progress is the exciting transformation taking place within our House. Our newly renovated second floor reimagines the dining, kitchen, and program spaces—the very heart of daily life for the families we serve. From spaces where families gather to share meals, to areas where children can play and caregivers can find moments of rest and connection, every detail has been thoughtfully designed. Safety and emotional well-being have been central to every element, from kitchens to play areas. These upgraded spaces will help families feel supported, connected, and at home during their stay.
We are also thrilled to welcome our new President and CEO, Lucretia Gilbert. Lucretia brings a deep commitment to mission-driven leadership, along with a clear and compelling vision for the organization’s future. Her passion for serving families and strengthening community impact will undoubtedly guide us into an exciting new chapter.
I would also like to once again acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Ruth Browne, our former President and CEO, who gave her all to our wonderful charity for more than nine years.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and optimism. The strength of this organization lies in its people—our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners—who make our mission possible every day.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support and belief in our work. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate future for the children and families who need us most.
With gratitude,
Steve Bensinger
Chairman of the Board
Letter from
the President & CEO
Dear Supporters,
It is with deep humility and great excitement that I share my first annual report letter as President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. Having spent my career in the nonprofit sector, I can say without hesitation that the dedication and compassion I have witnessed here are truly extraordinary. It is an honor to join a community so deeply committed to bringing hope, support, and critical resources to children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
I am profoundly grateful to our Board of Directors for their trust, and I extend my sincere thanks to my predecessor, Dr. Ruth C. Browne, for the strong foundation she leaves behind. Her legacy of impact has positioned us to continue growing and evolving with purpose.
This year marks a pivotal moment for our organization. In 2026, we are not only welcoming new leadership but also embracing a brand transition that connects us more closely with the global network of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Recently, we unveiled a refreshed brand identity—one that aligns us with Houses around the world while honoring the trusted, compassionate care that defines us locally.
While our look and feel may evolve, our mission remains unchanged. We will continue to be the House our families know and love—now strengthened by a more unified global presence. A new chapter, grounded in the same unwavering commitment to care.
Our mission is, and always will be, the heartbeat of this organization. Every day, our team provides comfort, stability, dignity, and hope to families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. As I begin this journey, my focus is clear: to ensure every program, partnership, and decision deepens our impact and enables us to serve even more families in need.
Equally important is our commitment to our people and our community. We will continue to foster a culture rooted in collaboration, trust, and innovation while strengthening the partnerships and philanthropy that power our work. Every donor, volunteer, and partner plays a vital role in advancing our mission.
In the year ahead, I look forward to listening, learning, and building alongside our dedicated staff, supporters, and community. Together, we will write the next chapter of our story—one defined by compassion, excellence, and enduring hope.
Thank you for your belief in our mission and for being part of this incredible journey.
With appreciation,
Lucretia Gilbert
President and CEO
Our House Impact
2025 By the Numbers
28,975
3,555
1,093
74,968
13,559
7,821
45
32
Top Sources of Treatment
- – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- – Mount Sinai Hospital
- – New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
- – NYU Langone
- – New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell
Most Frequent Diagnosis
- – Oncology
- – Neonatology
- – Cardiology
- – Neurology
Programs
9,235
27
5,535
839
22
The Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center
The Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center offers caregivers a space to tend to their own well-being through massage/spa services, group classes, meditation, one-on-one sessions, or just a simple cup of specialty coffee or tea.
Children’s & Enrichment Programs
In 2025, the Programs team introduced additional in-House activities to give families creative outlets during treatment. Special celebrations honored families recognizing Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Disability Pride Month, and more. Our Halloween Boo Bash returned bigger than ever in 2025, welcoming families from two Family Room hospital partners for the first time.
Programming expanded to include Diamond Art, Friendship Bracelets, Feature Fridays, and the Artist Series—giving families more creative outlets amid the demands of pediatric medical treatment. The Great Days field trip program also doubled its afternoon city adventures, offering more opportunities throughout the year.
Through our partnership with the New York Department of Education, many children in treatment received in-House education—available to every age. Others, including siblings, received tutoring and found placement in local NYC schools, keeping their education on track with their peers at home.
Beyond academics, we partnered with music teachers and musical groups to bring music to life inside the House, allowing kids to explore songwriting, piano, and other instruments through hands-on classes.
Hospital & Community Impact
Family Rooms
In 2025, RMH-NY’s four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms—located inside partner hospitals in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan—offered caregivers a place to rest, recharge, and connect with others just steps away from their child’s hospital bed.
Hospitality Programming
11,044
5,121
1,319
Programs in Family Rooms & Partnering Hospitals
In 2025, Programs expanded its Hospital Outreach Program—meeting caregivers where they were, whether in a hallway, a waiting room, or at their child’s bedside. The Hospitality Cart sat at the center of that effort. For a parent who hasn’t left their child’s room in days, a warm smile from our volunteers and a healthy snack can mean everything.
Programs To Go ensured no family went without by bringing craft and toy activity kits to a child’s bedside as they received inpatient treatment in hospitals across the city.
Impact Across NYC Community
RMH-NY’s mission doesn’t begin at our front door. Through our Population Health program, we connect New Yorkers across all five boroughs with critical resources before a hospital visit is ever needed. In 2025, formal partnerships with Public Health Solutions, Staten Island Performing Provider System, and SOMOS Community Care extended this work citywide through the New York State Medicaid 1115 Waiver Pilot.
Through care navigation and resource coordination, families were connected to essential supports including food access programs, housing assistance, and transportation services.
In 2025, Population Health generated approximately $75,000 in Medicaid-supported revenue, reflecting early progress toward a more sustainable funding model for Ronald McDonald House New York.
Community Health Services
Provided the below services to New York families in need.
769
2,280
687
71%
42%
Top Social Needs Identified
Volunteer & Spotlight
Volunteer Impact
In 2025, individual and corporate volunteers remained a constant presence inside the House—even as construction of our second floor limited space and altered routines. Through their time and generosity, families continued to experience the comfort and stability the House is known for, including the simple but vital ritual of a shared meal served by a volunteer who cares.
18,100
162
8,628
172
8,110
Community Highlights
Ronald McDonald House New York’s 31st Annual Gala
Ayda Eales, a young neuroblastoma survivor, was honored at the 2025 Gala following a long medical journey that brought her family to New York for life-saving care. With the support of the House, the Eales family found strength and a sense of community throughout her treatment.
Read more
Christopher Jackson Honored with Citizens’ Inaugural Miles That Matter Award
Marathon runner, cancer survivor, and pediatric oncologist Christopher Jackson was named one of four recipients of the inaugural Miles That Matter Award from Citizens Bank and New York Road Runners, earning RMH-NY a $26,200 grant.
Read more
Greek Christmas Dinner
In 2025, Ronald McDonald House New York’s Greek Division proudly celebrated its 30th Annual Christmas Dinner, bringing together supporters, families, and friends to provide comfort, care, and hope to the families served by the House.
Brianna Cano
Brianna’s connection to the House began in childhood—her cousin stayed at the Ronald McDonald House on Long Island. Since then, she has turned that personal connection into years of hands-on volunteerism, transforming dinners into celebrations of culture, comfort, and family pride.
Needhika, Tarak & Nirvan
A mother and father caring for a son with a diagnosis so rare it had been reported only 38 times in 60 years found an unexpected refuge — and an unexpected talent — in RMH-NY’s Wellness Center.
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Renovation
In August 2025, we unveiled a transformative renovation of our second floor, reimagining the dining, kitchen, and program spaces that serve as the heart of daily life for families in the House.
Read more
Natalie & Marcellus
After a month and a half in the NICU, first-time mother Natalie, 42, watched her premature son endure four surgeries in his first weeks of life—and found an unexpected refuge just down the hall in our Family Room.
Read more
Leaders of Tomorrow
Each year, our Youth Advisory Council works tirelessly to raise funds for the House. Through individual fundraising efforts, serving as the nonprofit of the night at a Nets game, preparing dinners for families…
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31st Annual Skate with the Greats
On April 3, 2025, Skate with the Greats brought together families, hockey legends like Henrik Lundqvist, and supporters for a high-energy event on and off the ice. Honoree Emmanuel’s teammates from the Sled Rangers powerfully represented his family, capturing the spirit of community and resilience at the heart of RMH-NY’s mission.
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Jimmy Murtagh
Jimmy Murtagh doesn’t do anything halfway. A retired NYPD officer turned shopping-cart warrior, grill master, and full-time bringer of joy, Jimmy is the quiet force behind two of RMH-NY’s most beloved events—the Fourth of July and Miracle on 73rd Street.
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Neil Bloomgarden
For three years, Neil has ridden in support of RMH-NY. And every Tuesday night—without fail—he walks through the doors of the House to lead his volunteer team.
Read more
Corporate Volunteers
In 2025, our Helping Hands initiative reached new heights, with corporate and community groups assembling thousands of snack packs and care packages for families at the House…
