Fashion, Retail and Financial Industry Unite at The Waldorf Astoria To Support Families Battling Pediatric Cancer
Press Release – NEW YORK, N.Y. – May 17, 2016 – Ronald McDonald House New York celebrated its 24th Annual Gala with 1,050 attendees 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 event was emceed by NBC News’ Andrea Joyce and Harry Smith, and raised $3.5 million to support operations of the facility, which provides free transportation to treatment and additional support services to families staying in New York City while undergoing active treatment.
“It was amazing to see our supporters in attendance all gathered to show compassion for kids battling cancer, all committed to making it financially feasible for families to bring their kids to NYC to get the treatments they need, all united in the goal to keep families together during their toughest times, and all understanding the importance making our kids feel like kids first and
kids with cancer second said Tina Lundgren, chairman of the board of Ronald McDonald House® New York.
This year’s event highlighted the work of James “Jes” Staley, Group CEO of Barclays, and Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO & president of Perry Ellis International. 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 Terry Lundgren, chairman & CEO of Macy’s, Inc.; RMH-NY Board Vice Chairman and Chairman Elect Harris Diamond, chairman & CEO of McCann Worldwide; Ajay Banga, president & CEO of MasterCard International; John Idol, chief executive officer of Michael Kors; Chief Creative Officer of Vince Camuto Louise Camuto; Steve Shiffman, CEO of Calvin Klein, Inc.; Barclays’ Group Head of Compliance Michael Roemer, NHL Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert and RMH-NY Board Member Judy Gilbert; and Richard O’Reilly, M.D., chair of the pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The 24th 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.
