Barbara Walters once said, “To not have any regrets at the end of your life, you have to be brave enough to look ahead.”
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Each August, during Make-A-Will Month, we reflect on the power of legacy—the deeply personal and transformative act of ensuring that your values endure beyond your lifetime. It’s a moment to ask ourselves: What will I leave behind? What lives might I touch tomorrow with the choices I make today?
At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), we are surrounded by legacy every day. It’s in the walls, the rooms, and the voices of children and families who find hope within our doors. This year, we pause to celebrate one legacy in particular—that of Barbara Walters, a woman whose fearless life, generous spirit, and enduring commitment to our House continue to inspire us all.
Barbara Walters: A Voice That Changed the World
Barbara Walters was a trailblazer, a barrier-breaker, a voice for truth. Born in Boston, her early life was shaped by the glamour and grit of her father, Lou Walters, who opened the Latin Quarter nightclubs in both Boston and Times Square in New York City. Her childhood was marked by both privilege and pain—her older sister lived with a disability that Barbara later speculated might have been autism, and in her early twenties, Barbara found herself supporting her family after her father’s business closed and he attempted suicide.
These experiences shaped her quiet strength and relentless determination. In 1961, she joined the Today show, where she pioneered a new style of journalism. Denied the opportunity to co-interview alongside her male colleagues, Barbara began conducting her own interviews off-site—an innovation that became her signature and launched a decades-long legacy of exclusive, intimate conversations with some of the world’s most powerful figures.
Barbara interviewing President Jimmy Carter
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A Quote from Barbara
"To excel is to reach your own highest dream. But you must also help others, where and when you can, to reach theirs. Personal gain is empty if you do not feel you have positively touched another's life."
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From becoming the first female co-host of the Today show in 1974 to co-anchoring the evening news on ABC in 1976 (a first for any woman), to co-creating The View in her late 60s, Barbara was always pushing boundaries and pioneering change in the broadcasting space across the globe.
She sat face-to-face with world leaders and cultural icons: President Anwar Sadat, Fidel Castro, Oprah Winfrey, Monica Lewinsky, and Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli. Her exclusive interview with Monica Lewinsky in 1998 drew more than 70 million viewers—the most-watched news interview in American history.
But Barbara never considered herself just a journalist. She saw herself as a connector—a woman devoted to giving people a platform and a voice. She brought the AIDS crisis into American living rooms when most networks wouldn’t touch the topic. She opened national conversations on sexual abuse and championed underrepresented voices at every turn.
Barbara and the House: From Spotlight to Heartlight
Barbara’s friendship with Ronald McDonald House New York was as authentic as it was generous. She served as Master of Ceremonies at our annual gala twice, helping raise essential funds and awareness with the same passion and poise that characterized her career. Even in the year her health prevented her from attending, she ensured the show went on—recruiting her friend Whoopi Goldberg to fill in on her behalf.
Barbara’s presence at the galas was unforgettable. She never adhered to a strict script, choosing instead to speak from the heart. She offered insights on the world, shared stories, and always returned to what mattered most: the children. She understood how vital RMH-NY was to families facing unimaginable challenges—and she used her voice to amplify our mission.
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A Quote from Barbara
"The hardest thing you'll ever do is trust yourself."
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Her connection to the House wasn’t merely professional. Barbara’s cousin, Myron “Mike’’ Shevell, served as a board member, and Barbara would ask to sit near him during the events. "You'll come and get me so I can see Mike, right?" she’d ask with a smile, trusting us to navigate her through a sea of 1,000 gala guests. She was beloved not just for her fame, but for her warmth, humor, and genuine affection for the families we serve.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions and friendship, Room 1101 at the East 73rd Street House was named in her honor—a quiet, heartfelt tribute to a woman who gave so much, even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
A Hall of Honor: Where Legacy Lives
Barbara’s name joins a distinguished list of individuals and partners who helped shape the House and its mission. Each named room tells a story—a legacy built not only through generosity but through service, vision, and love.
The Living Room (1st Floor)
A space filled with warmth, joy—and a little magic. Dedicated to Macy’s, one of our longest and most loyal supporters. Every year, Macy’s transforms the House with holiday wonder as their legendary Visual Team brings sparkle and cheer. The highlight? A cherished tradition: Macy’s Santa reading The Night Before Christmas to our children, lighting up the season with hope.
Room 301 — Patrick Dunne
A room that celebrates resilience and kindness. Honoring Patrick Dunne, whose decades of service have brought comfort and empowerment to children facing limb loss due to cancer. Through the Happy Faces Foundation, his dedication continues to inspire.
Room 302 — The Love Hope Room
In memory of the incomparable Jef Campion: artist, volunteer, and true force of good. Jef led our Thursday Night Volunteer Team for over ten years with heart and humor. As a Yonkers firefighter, he also galvanized support from his department for our Annual Kid's Fun Run and Fourth of July celebrations, making them unforgettable for our families.
Room 1004 — Frank Pellegrino, Sr.
Named for a legend of food and philanthropy. As a devoted Board Member and community advocate, Frank Pellegrino Sr. welcomed our biggest donors with love—and plates of Rao’s famous Italian dinners at $20,000 a couple during his beloved biannual Saturday nights the Saturday night before Thanksgiving. Frank hosted these dinners every other year for 15 years raising around $600k at each event.
Room 1005 — Joel Newman
This room pays tribute to Joel Newman, whose leadership helped steer the House during pivotal moments—as a Board Member and Interim CEO. His guidance left a lasting impact.
Room 1006 — Shelly Friedman
Behind every renovation and revitalized space stands a visionary. For decades, Shelly Friedman has served as our steadfast Board Secretary, guiding major upgrades at the House on 73rd Street and in all four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, ensuring comfort for every family.
Room 1009 — Dr. Richard J. O’Reilly
A room that honors a medical pioneer. Dr. Richard O’Reilly, one of our founding Board Members, transformed lives through his groundbreaking work at Memorial Sloan Kettering—and championed the vision of a House where families could stay close during treatment.
Room 1010 — Tracy and Stanley Shopkorn
Dedicated to two extraordinary champions. Stanley Shopkorn served eight years as Board Chairman, driving one of the greatest expansions of our financial capacity. Together with Tracy, their generosity continues to strengthen our mission.
Each of these names represents a life lived in service to others—and a reminder that legacy isn’t about wealth or fame alone. It’s about using what you have to uplift the lives of others.
Why Make-A-Will Month Matters
Barbara Walters made a career of asking the right questions. This month, we invite you to ask yourself one: What will your legacy be?
Make-A-Will Month is a nationwide initiative that encourages individuals and families to take control of their futures by creating or updating their wills. And while the process can feel overwhelming or even somber, it is—at its core—an act of love. It’s a way to ensure that the people, values, and causes that matter most to you are honored in the years to come.
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A Quote from Barbara
"Life sometimes brings enormous difficulties and challenges that seem just too hard to bear. But bear them you can, and bear them you will, and your life can have a purpose."
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Yet, two out of three Americans don’t have a will. That means their legacies are left up to others. Their final wishes may not be known or followed. The organizations they loved—like RMH-NY—may never benefit from the impact they intended.
Your Legacy. Your Story. Your Power.
Including Ronald McDonald House New York in your will is a simple, powerful way to support the children and families who need us most. Your gift ensures that:
- Families never have to choose between treatment and housing.
- Children undergoing treatment are surrounded by love, support, and stability.
- Programs like tutoring, music therapy, transportation, and meals continue to thrive.
You don’t have to be a public figure like Barbara Walters to leave a lasting impact. You just have to care—and take the first step.
How to Get Started
Making a will is easier than ever. There are secure online platforms, estate planners, and legal professionals who can guide you through the process in less time than you might think.
Ronald McDonald House New York partners with FreeWill.com, a website that helps people create their will in under 30 minutes.
FreeWill.com
FreeWill.com is a free online platform that helps users create legally valid estate planning documents like wills, advance healthcare directives, and durable power of attorney forms. It’s designed for individuals with simple to moderate estates and includes optional tools for charitable giving, which fund the service through nonprofit partnerships. The process takes about 20 minutes and produces printable, state-specific forms that users can sign and store themselves. While highly rated and easy to use, it may not be suitable for complex estates or those needing professional legal guidance.
Once your loved ones are cared for, consider leaving a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or a life insurance or retirement account to RMH-NY. Every gift—no matter the size—helps us continue to provide comfort, care, and community to families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
To learn more or begin your legacy gift, visit our Planned Giving page, or contact our team directly at Legacy@rmh-newyork.org. Prefer to speak to someone? Call us at (929) 697-2409.
Barbara Walters Wouldn’t Step Inside the House
There’s one story that Rick Martin, Director of Development at Ronald McDonald House New York, often shares—one that perfectly sums up Barbara Walters’ heart and the way she allowed goodness to quietly lead her life.
Barbara Walters was set to be honored with a room in her name at Ronald McDonald House New York. But true to form, she wasn’t interested in ceremony. As she arrived at the door, she paused and asked a quiet but pointed question:
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A Quote from Barbara
"New York is a galaxy of adventure at once elegant, exciting and bizarre. It's a city that moves so fast, it takes energy just to stand still."
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“I heard that families have to pay to stay here. Is that true?”
There was a moment of silence. Then Board Chair Tina Lundgren responded:
“No. That’s not correct. Families are never required to pay. If they choose to donate, that’s entirely up to them. But no family is ever charged.”
Barbara nodded.
“Then I’ll come in.”
Only after hearing that did she proceed—not for recognition, but because her values allowed it. She simply would not endorse a place unless she knew it treated families with compassion.
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A Quote from Barbara
"It would be nice to feel that we are a better world, a world of more compassion and a world of more humanity, and to believe in the basic goodness of man.."
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Barbara was known for calling a spade a spade—and not just on television. She brought the same integrity into every room she entered, always using her influence carefully and with conscience. That day, she stayed behind the scenes. But her quiet insistence on what was right spoke louder than any tribute.
The Legacy of a Legend
This August, we honor Barbara’s bravery—not only in the questions she asked and the ceilings she shattered, but in the compassion she showed and the children she championed. Her legacy at RMH-NY isn’t just a room. It’s spirit. It’s a promise. It’s a lasting gift.
As you reflect this month on your own story, we hope you’ll be inspired by hers. And perhaps, like Barbara, you’ll find that the greatest legacy isn’t what you leave behind—but who you lift up along the way.
Make a will. Make your mark. Make a difference.
Your story is still being written. Let it include hope.
