Ronald McDonald House New York Honored at Subway Series Game

On Tuesday, June 26th, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) experienced a night filled with excitement and recognition at the highly anticipated Subway Series game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets at Citi Field. This remarkable evening not only celebrated the spirit of baseball but also shone a spotlight on the invaluable work of RMH-NY, thanks to the support and dedication of our Chairman of the Board, Jim Flanagan, and CEO, Dr. Ruth Browne.

As fans filled the stadium, a special moment unfolded on the field before the game. Jim Flanagan accompanied by Dr. Ruth Browne, CEO and President of RMH-NY, and members of Jim’s family stood proudly to accept the honor on behalf of RMH-NY, as a 30-second promotional video played, highlighting the organization’s mission and impact. This video, viewed by the entire stadium of New York baseball fans, served as a powerful reminder of RMH-NY’s commitment to providing a home away from home for families of children battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

In a heartwarming gesture, RMH-NY also extended the joy of the evening to three families currently staying at the House on 73rd Street by gifting them free tickets to the game. These families, whose lives have been touched by the support and care of RMH-NY, had the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Subway Series firsthand, creating lasting memories amidst their challenging journeys.

The RMH-NY Volunteers Team was also present at the event, adding an extra layer of engagement and enthusiasm. Near the iconic Shea Bridge, our volunteers set up a vibrant booth, distributing fun freebies such as beach volleyballs and sunglasses to eager fans. The booth not only provided an opportunity for attendees to take home a piece of the night but also served as a platform to share information about becoming a volunteer at RMH-NY and supporting our mission across New York City. A QR code was prominently displayed, offering an easy way for people to contribute and make a difference in the lives of our families.

The response from the baseball fans was overwhelming, with many stopping by the booth to learn more about RMH-NY and show their support. The enthusiasm and interest were palpable, and by the end of the night, all the goodies had been given away, and numerous individuals had expressed their desire to get involved.

Robert Zite, Volunteer Manager, Corporate and Community Engagement at RMH-NY led the charge for the Volunteer Team at the June 26^th event:

Adding to the evening’s significance was the tribute to baseball legend Willie Mays. His son honored the occasion by speaking and throwing out the first pitch, adding an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the game. The energy in the stadium was electric, and the sense of community and shared passion for both baseball and philanthropy were truly inspiring.

The outcome of the game itself added to the excitement of the night. The Yankees and Mets, two of baseball’s most storied franchises, faced off in a thrilling contest, but the Mets came out victorious.

Francisco Alvarez had a stellar night, going 3-for-3 with an early home run and three RBIs, while Tyrone Taylor contributed a three-run homer. The red-hot New York Mets dominated the New York Yankees 12-2 on Wednesday night, completing a two-game Subway Series sweep.

The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of New York baseball and provided a fitting backdrop to the celebration of RMH-NY’s mission.

Overall, the night was a resounding success, offering great exposure for Ronald McDonald House New York and underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting families in their time of need. The honor bestowed upon RMH-NY at the Subway Series game served as a reminder of the impact that community and compassion can have on the lives of those facing some of life’s greatest challenges. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jim Flanagan, Dr. Ruth Browne, our dedicated volunteers, and the entire New York baseball community for making this night one to remember.

For those inspired by the evening’s events and interested in learning more about how to get involved with RMH-NY, please visit our website, and consider becoming a volunteer or supporting our mission in any way you can. Together, we can continue to provide a home filled with hope, love, and support for families when they need it most.