Every year, on the last Saturday of October, communities across the United States come together to celebrate Make a Difference Day, a day dedicated to inspiring people to act and give back to their neighbors. At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), this day is not just a date on the calendar, it is a celebration of the volunteers, partners, and community members who provide compassionate care and emotional support to families navigating the challenges of pediatric illness. This year, Make a Difference Day falls on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and it offers an opportunity to honor those who make the House a home for families facing some of life’s toughest moments.
Among the many volunteers and partners whose efforts bring light and comfort to RMH-NY families, Brianna Cano, and her team at Rcano Catering stand out for their dedication, creativity, and genuine love for the children and families they serve.
The Heart Behind Rcano Catering’s Volunteer Work
Brianna Cano, Catering Director at Rcano Events and Board of Associates member at RMH-NY, has made volunteerism an integral part of her professional and personal life. Her connection to Ronald McDonald Houses began early:
“My cousin stayed at the Long Island Ronald McDonald House, so growing up I knew about the mission of the RMH-NY, and through my work with Bloomberg I was introduced to the House on 73rd Street.”
At RMH-NY, Brianna and her team do far more than provide meals, they create experiences.
“We bring delicious food and fun! We also help support in many ways. When the kitchen went under renovation, we helped secure a hot box oven to help ensure meals can be served hot to the families during the time of construction. When the House needs meals donated we jump in. We try to help in any way we can!”
From daily dinners to large-scale holiday events, Rcano Catering ensures that families feel both nourished and cared for. Their dedication transforms dining into a moment of joy, a respite from the stress that accompanies pediatric illness.
Culinary Comfort and Family-Centered Care
Food has a unique ability to evoke memories, provide comfort, and bring people together. Brianna has seen firsthand how the meals prepared by Rcano can foster connection and enjoyment for RMH-NY families:
“It is so important for families to be able to feel like they’re home and to be able have food that brings them comfort and joy. Some families come from so far away and everything is foreign to them, so it’s great to be able to bring them familiarity in foods. There is a scene from the Disney movie Ratatouille that really resonates with this where the food critic has a bite of the ratatouille and you see the memory pop up of him as a child with his grandmother. If we are able to provide that kind of comfort to these families and make them feel the warmth and familiarity of home away from home, we did our job!”
The Guest Chef initiative is one of Rcano’s most beloved programs. Working directly with children and families, Brianna curates menus that reflect their favorite dishes. Kids even get hands-on experience serving meals to their fellow families, creating moments of pride and empowerment.
“The children get so excited to see their menus and are so full of pride when they serve. Watching them explain the dishes to the other families and friends sharing their favorite items on the buffet is so heartwarming. Mavis’s family was so moved by this they gave me a Filipino menu. Pancit is a dish many guests never had, and it was such a hit! For dessert, we had Flan and Mavis’s father came up to me and said this was on par, if not better, than his mother’s flan. If we can make anything that stands up to a mom or grandmother’s recipe it is such a huge compliment. We make all our food with love and care and it’s so nice to see it resonate with the families. Our chefs have really gotten to expand their range with Egyptian, Filipino, and Caribbean cuisine. We have found specialty markets to get locally sourced high-quality spices and ingredients to make these dishes as authentic as possible.”
This dedication to family-centered care reflects the broader mission of RMH-NY: to provide holistic care for every family member, from nutritious meals to educational support and wellness resources, all within a home-like environment.
Holidays Made Special
For many families, holidays can be a particularly difficult time when a child is hospitalized. Rcano Catering ensures that no family feels left out or alone during these moments.
Brianna shares,
“We started our tradition of donating Thanksgiving dinner at the House about five years ago. Holidays can be hard for the families being away from home, so we love to make this as big and special as we can. We transform the dining experience for the families and make it a traditional Thanksgiving with table décor and a full Thanksgiving meal with all the side fixings and of course a ton of dessert. Miracle on 73rd Street is also one of my favorite events that we help support at the House.”
These holiday meals go beyond food; they help foster a sense of community and inspire memory of holidays from the past.
The Joy of Volunteering at RMH-NY
Volunteers at RMH-NY bring more than skills or resources, they bring presence, love, and human connection. Brianna highlights the simple, everyday joys of volunteering:
“I love interacting with the children and families, especially our impromptu dance/karaoke parties we have at dinner time. Seeing the kids break out of their shells and sing and dance like they are on center stage is priceless.”
Her work has not only enriched the dining experience for families but has also strengthened her personal connection to RMH-NY. Brianna recalls a particularly meaningful memory:
“I truly cherish all the time I am able to spend with the families, but one stand-out time would be when Jen and Octavio Sr. came to me to say goodbye and thank you to me. I was so touched that they took the time to make sure they saw me and tearfully thanked me for the support over the last years. Their family was from the Dominican Republic and their son’s favorite food was Pesto Pasta with Fuseli pasta (it has to be the “curly pasta”). This is what also sparked the Guest Chef’s idea. He would often request it, so every few weeks I would be sure to include it on the menu. One of our chefs also originates from the Dominican Republic, and we started introducing some cultural items like rice & beans, homemade empanadas, and chicken & peppers, and these items became a favorite among the families.”
Stories like these illustrate the profound impact volunteers have on the lives of children and their families, not just in nourishing them but in creating moments of normalcy, pride, and celebration.
Make a Difference Day: A Celebration of Giving
Make a Difference Day was first established in the United States in 1992 by USA Weekend magazine and Points of Light, and it has since grown into the largest national day of community service. Its mission is to inspire people to improve the lives of others through volunteerism, large or small, and to recognize the power of giving back to local communities.
At RMH-NY, Make a Difference Day is a moment to highlight the essential role of volunteers. From corporate partners like Bloomberg, to individual chefs and board members, volunteers dedicate their time, skills, and hearts to ensure that families feel supported. As Brianna notes,
“It’s the all-around support they give to the families. It’s not just lodging; it’s transportation, nutritious meals, tutoring support, wellness center, a playroom, and staff there to help bring joy and games to kids and support when needed the most. The sense of community it brings when you see families bonding and children meeting lifelong friends while at the House is also another really special aspect. When a child has a life-threatening illness, they may feel alone, and here they see other kids who are brave warriors going through it as well. Having siblings/parents & children all bonding and helping each other through these experiences has been wonderful.”
Make a Difference Day provides an opportunity to spotlight this impact and to encourage new volunteers to join in the mission.
The Breadth of Volunteer Opportunities at RMH-NY
Volunteering at RMH-NY goes beyond preparing meals. There are a variety of ways for individuals, families, and corporate groups to get involved:
Meal Programs
Help prepare and serve nutritious meals for families staying at RMH-NY. Corporate groups and catering partners, like Rcano, bring large-scale impact through monthly activations.
Hospitality Carts
Bring snacks, drinks, and comfort items directly to families in hospital rooms across the city.
Family Room Volunteers
Offer support to families in hospital-based family rooms, providing companionship and a welcoming environment.
Special Events
Participate in holiday celebrations, cultural programming, and guest chef nights, creating unforgettable experiences for children and their parents.
Board of Associates
Young professionals are nominated to join this group to fundraise, advocate, and help shape the organization’s programming. Brianna joined in January 2025 after being nominated by RMH-NY Board Member Nancy Cutler from Bloomberg LP.
Through these opportunities, volunteers not only provide family-centered care but also help RMH-NY address broader social determinants of health and promote health equity for kids fighting pediatric illnesses.
Corporate Partnerships: Multiplying the Impact
Partnerships with companies like Bloomberg LP make the magic of mealtime at Ronald McDonald House New York possible. As one of our most generous and longtime supporters of the meals program, Bloomberg has been fueling joy and connection at the House for years. In fact, it was Bloomberg who first introduced us to Rcano Catering, sparking a partnership that has since turned ordinary dinners into extraordinary celebrations.
It’s partnerships like these that show what happens when corporate teams mix their professional talents with a whole lot of heart.
Corporate involvement extends beyond meal programs. Many companies provide volunteers for tutoring support, family room staffing, and wellness activities, creating layers of care that reinforce RMH-NY’s mission to serve children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
A Personal Commitment to RMH-NY
Brianna’s dedication extends beyond the kitchen. By joining the Board of Associates, she has amplified her impact through advocacy and fundraising:
“I really admire all the work they do and want to support the staff and mission as much as possible. The team at RMH-NY goes above and beyond to make the families feel special and loved—they act as a stand-in family and support system when they leave their homes and loved ones.”
Her story illustrates a broader truth: the work of volunteers like Brianna Cano not only sustains RMH-NY’s daily operations but also creates lasting memories for families and strengthens the community that surrounds the House.
Cherished Memories and Lifelong Connections
Pictured: Brianna Cano with House Alumni Family (Octavio Sr., Jenniffer, Octavio Jr., and Oliver)
Some volunteer moments leave indelible marks. Brianna recalls her connections with families during COVID-19 when she volunteered virtually:
“During COVID, I started volunteering virtually playing bingo and met Oliver & Octavio. During their over 2-year stay, we became very close with their family and parents, Jen and Octavio Sr. We would play bingo via Zoom, and when we went to in-person, the excitement—they had to see me and chat about my dog, or school. For the past year or so, Mariam, Marvis and I have become very close, introducing me to all the new songs and dances. We have our weekly karaoke dance parties in the dining room during dinner, and they are so sweet to always include and get all the kids involved.”
It is these personal interactions—the dances, the meals, the shared stories—that make RMH-NY more than a House; they make it a home.
Gratitude to Volunteers Everywhere
On Make a Difference Day 2025, RMH-NY celebrates Brianna Cano, Rcano Catering, Bloomberg, and every individual and corporate volunteer who gives their time, talent, and heart to support families. Volunteers create emotional support, holistic care, and experiences that help families feel less alone in their journeys. They reinforce the mission of RMH-NY to promote health equity, provide family-centered care, and address health disparities in pediatric healthcare.
From daily meal programs to holiday celebrations, from virtual bingo to live karaoke, volunteers embody the House’s spirit of compassion and care. As Brianna shares, “I will remember the families and the hustle and bustle of the dining room at dinner time.” For RMH-NY, this bustling activity is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of those who choose to give back.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This Make a Difference Day, RMH-NY invites the community to reflect on the impact of volunteerism and consider how each of us can contribute. Whether through corporate partnerships, meal programs, or joining initiatives like the Board of Associates, there are countless ways to provide compassionate care and emotional support for children and families.
Every volunteer action, no matter the scale, brings hope, joy, and comfort to those who need it most. Brianna Cano and Rcano Catering demonstrate the transformative power of giving—not only through the food they create but through the moments of connection they cultivate.
To all our volunteers, donors, and supporters: thank you. Your time, dedication, and generosity ensure that RMH-NY continues to provide holistic care, family-centered support, and a home away from home for every child and family who walks through our doors.
Make a Difference Day 2025: Key Takeaways
- Celebrated nationally on the last Saturday of October, Make a Difference Day highlights volunteerism across the United States.
- RMH-NY volunteers, including corporate partners and individuals, create memorable experiences from meals to family support and everything in between.
- Brianna Cano and Rcano Catering exemplify how culinary skills and generosity combine to nourish bodies and hearts.
- Volunteers help the House fulfill its mission of promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health for families fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
- Every act of volunteerism, no matter how small, contributes to the larger mission of RMH-NY and transforms the lives of children and families in the House.
At RMH-NY, every volunteer is a difference-maker, and Make a Difference Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate them. Brianna Cano, Rcano Catering, Bloomberg, and all our volunteers demonstrate the power of kindness, care, and community. Their work ensures that families facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses feel supported, nourished, and seen, not just during Make a Difference Day, but every day of the year.
