31st Annual Gala: RMH-NY Support Families Battling Pediatric Cancer & Other Serious Illnesses

Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered for Ronald McDonald House New York’s (RMH-NY) 31st Annual Gala on Wednesday, October 25 at Pier Sixty, which raised critical funds to further the organization’s mission to advance health equity and provide care, support and services to families battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.

“Helping families stay together and focus on beating their child’s illness is at the heart of our mission at Ronald McDonald House New York,” said Dr. Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. “By providing vital care, support and services that address the social determinants of health, our programs ensure that there is an integrated approach to treatment that advances health equity among vulnerable and at-risk populations. This year’s Gala raised significant funds that will not only enable us to continue to support families as they fight the most difficult battles of their lives, but ensure they win. We are deeply grateful to our honorees, sponsors, and to all who contributed to the success of this year’s special celebration.”

To begin the festivities, Dr. Browne and Bobby Grubert, Managing Director for Royal Bank of Canada and long-time supporter of RMH-NY, welcomed guests and recognized this year’s honorees for their unwavering dedication to advancing RMH-NY’s mission: Steven J. Bensinger, Senior Advisor at Howden Tiger and RMH-NY Chairman Emeritus; Timothy C. Gokey, Chief Executive Officer at Broadridge Financial Solutions; Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA; Carla Zakhem-Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer at JPMorgan Chase; and Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

During the program, RMH-NY also honored the Cueto family, who is staying at the organization’s House in Manhattan as their eight-year-old son Oliver receives treatment for cancer. To celebrate their continued strength and resilience, RMH-NY presented the family with honorary New York Yankees jerseys, just weeks after organizing their attendance at a Yankees game in partnership with Mastercard and 2023 Gala honoree Rob Manfred.

As part of the special event, guests also enjoyed a live auction led by former MLB outfielder and New York Mets Hall of Famer Mookie Wilson, exciting activations, and a silent auction complete with a variety of stunning art pieces, collectibles, luxurious tropical getaways, and more.

RMH-NY supports 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.

The 31st Annual Gala was made possible through major event sponsors including co-sponsors