Ronald McDonald House® New York's 23rd Annual Gala Raises $6 Million

NEW YORK, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House New York celebrated its 23^rd Annual Gala last night at the Waldorf Astoria New York Ballroom with a star-studded guest list in support of families and their young warriors battling pediatric cancer.

The 23^rd Annual Gala was hosted by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, and raised $6 million to support operations of the 'home away from home' such as wellness programs, tutors, music, art, transportation, and activities for the siblings and parents of children undergoing treatment.   

"We're proud to honor the contributions of this year's honorees who have generously pledged their support to the Ronald McDonald House^® New York," said William T. Sullivan, president & CEO of Ronald McDonald House^® New York. "Their commitment to the House continues to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved – we had a very exciting night."

This year's event highlighted the work of Emanuel Chirico, chairman & CEO of PVH Corp., and Keith S. Sherin, chairman & CEO of GE Capital, and vice chairman of GE. Both honorees rallied the support of their respective industries to raise much-needed funds and awareness in support of the organization's mission.

The attendees at this year's event included Kenneth Langone; Terry Lundgren, chairman, president, CEO & Director of Macy's, Inc.; Trish Wescoat Pound & Jesse Cole of Haute Hippie; Tommy Mottola, CEO of Casablanca Records & his wife, singer/actress Thalia Sodi; Eric Eisner, co-founder of L+E Productions & Stacey Bendet Eisner, CEO & Creative Director of Alice + Olivia; and Tony Award-winning Actress, Singer and Stage director Phylicia Rashad; Thomas Moran, CEO & president of Mutual of America, Joan Squires, chief information officer of Mutual of America; Louise Camuto of Camuto Group, and the invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church.

The 23rd annual gala featured musical selections by Broadway Inspirational Voices, which included an original composition in honor of one of the House's residents. DIVA Jazz Orchestra provided the live musical accompaniment.

The funds raised will help Ronald McDonald House^® New York, the largest facility of its kind out of more than 300 worldwide, provide temporary housing for children battling cancer and their families while the child receives treatment at one or more of 16 nearby partnering hospitals throughout the city.

To view images and other highlights from the event, please visit www.facebook.com/rmhnewyork.  High-resolution images for print and Web publication are also available. To learn more about the House or to make a donation, please visit www.rmh-newyork.org.

About the Ronald McDonald House New York
Ronald McDonald House New York provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems.  Ronald McDonald House New York is the largest facility of its type in the world. The House can accommodate 84 families, and it is filled to capacity almost every night. The House's location in Manhattan, in close proximity to 16 major cancer treatment centers, draws children and families from across the country and the world, as well as from the metropolitan New York City area.  Since its founding, more than 35,000 families have stayed at Ronald McDonald House New York.  For more information, visit www.rmh-newyork.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150519/217056
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150519/217055

SOURCE Ronald McDonald House New York

Related Links

http://www.rmh-newyork.org