NY1’s Cheryl Wills Highlights Ronald McDonald House New York’s 45th Anniversary Gala
Watch the Full NY1 Segment
A Celebration of Compassion and Community
Ronald McDonald House New York’s 45th Anniversary Gala, Together in Gold, was featured on NY1, hosted by award-winning journalist and event emcee Cheryl Wills. The special segment captured the heart of the evening — a celebration of 45 years of compassionate care, family-centered support, and unwavering community spirit.
Held at Cipriani Wall Street, the Together in Gold Gala brought together more than 1,000 guests and raised nearly $3 million to sustain RMH-NY’s mission of providing a home away from home for families with children facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
Stories That Inspire Hope
The segment featured 9-year-old Ayda, a cancer survivor whose family offered heartfelt thanks to Ronald McDonald House New York for providing stability, comfort, and emotional support during her treatment.
Her story embodies what RMH-NY stands for — a place of holistic care, where families can focus on their child’s recovery without the burdens of distance or cost.
"This has been a tremendous growth of Ronald McDonald House’s 45 years of work, and we are really focused on the social needs of their families, so they can be focused on what matters most — the health and well-being of their child,” said Cheryl Wills."
"This has been a tremendous growth of Ronald McDonald House’s 45 years of work, and we are really focused on the social needs of their families, so they can be focused on what matters most — the health and well-being of their child,” said Cheryl Wills."
Wills also took a moment to acknowledge her colleague, NY1 Senior Producer Jimmy Baxter, whose family experienced firsthand the comfort of Ronald McDonald House Houston when his younger brother Stewart battled cancer in 1996.
45 Years of Compassionate Care
For 45 years, Ronald McDonald House New York has stood at the intersection of healthcare and hospitality, serving families from across the globe who come to New York City for critical medical care.
Through partnerships with leading hospitals like Memorial Sloan Kettering, RMH-NY continues to advance health equity by addressing health disparities and social determinants of health that affect families navigating pediatric illness.
The organization remains committed to expanding its reach so that more children and families can experience the strength and stability of family-centered care during their medical journey.
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
The Together in Gold Gala marks an extraordinary milestone — a celebration of 45 years of impact, gratitude, and growth. With continued community support, Ronald McDonald House New York remains a beacon of hope for families facing the unimaginable, ensuring that no child or parent ever has to face illness alone.
To learn more or support our mission, visit rmh-newyork.org.
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