Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) announced the completion of its renovation of the Community Floor, a newly reimagined space designed to enhance the everyday experience of children and families staying at the House while their children receive treatment for serious illnesses. The project, which has transformed dining, kitchen, play and program areas on the second floor of the House at 405 East 73rd Street, creates welcoming spaces where families can share meals, children can play and learn, and caregivers can find opportunities for connection, respite and support.
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Actress Melissa Rauch cuts the red ribbon at opening of Ronald McDonald House New York’s new Community Floor, alongside President & CEO Lucretia Gilbert, Board Chair Steven J. Bensinger, Board member, Shelly Friedman, and Chief Operations & Management Officer Wini Cudjoe, and RMH-NY family Jaleyah (child) and Theresa (mother), during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ceremony, held at the House on East 73rd Street, New York, on September 15, 2026, celebrates a long-awaited renovation to enhance the experience of families staying at Ronald McDonald House New York while their children receive treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. (Photo by Kevin Dale Photography)
RMH-NY President & CEO Lucretia Gilbert, Board of Directors, families and supporters gathered for a ribbon cutting to unveil the space and celebrate the milestone. Jaleyah, an 11-year-old RMH-NY resident facing relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and her mother Theresa cut a gold ribbon symbolizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of the children and families at the center of RMH-NY’s work. Guests enjoyed a meal provided by event sponsor, Rao’s.
“The completion of this renovation marks an important milestone in our continued commitment to delivering the highest level of family-centered care at Ronald McDonald House New York,” said Lucretia Gilbert, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. “When families are navigating a child’s serious illness, even the simplest moments—sharing a meal, helping with homework, playing a game or having a quiet place to work—can provide a sense of normalcy and connection. We designed every detail of the Community Floor with those moments in mind, creating more opportunities for families to gather, recharge and support one another. We look forward to seeing these spaces become part of the daily lives and memories of the children and families we serve for years to come.”
Jaleyah has been staying at the House with her mother Theresa since July 2025. For Jaleyah and her family, the House has provided more than a place to stay during an uncertain and difficult time—it has offered a sense of community, comfort and normalcy. While Jaleyah continues treatment, she attends school, enjoys time in the House’s communal spaces and shares comforting meals with her family.
Multi-award nominated actress best known for “The Big Bang Theory” Melissa Rauch joined the ceremonial ribbon cutting and provided poignant remarks. Rauch is co-founder of Oscar’s Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and supporting families. Oscar’s Kids is a fiscally sponsored fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
“Ronald McDonald House New York recognizes that supporting a child through cancer treatment means supporting the whole family, and this new Community Floor brings that commitment to life in a truly meaningful way,” said Melissa Rauch, actress and co-founder of Oscar’s Kids. “Through my work with Oscar’s Kids, I’ve seen how important it is to give children and families moments of joy and a strong community while they navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer. I’m honored to celebrate this milestone during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”
The renovation at RMH-NY has modernized and reconfigured key spaces to better foster community, connection, and comfort. The project enhances the organization’s ability to provide families a warm, supportive environment that promotes healing and togetherness. Designed in collaboration with Zubatkin Owner Representation (ZOR), Mitchell Giurgola Architects, and Structure Tone, and led by RMH-NY’s Board of Directors, the renovation includes several key features:
- Hangout Hub & Play Space: A flexible space designed to give children opportunities to relax, socialize, create and simply be kids. The fully reimagined movie and gaming lounge, creativity corner, and arts & crafts bar, provide therapeutic outlets for emotional expression and socialization, with game tables, cozy seating, and sensory elements designed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all ages.
- Dining Room & Helping Hands Kitchen: An expanded chef’s kitchen and dining space designed to support both prepared and on-site meals, while creating opportunities for corporate and community volunteers to engage directly with families. The kitchen operates seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and includes a “grab and go” station offering daily snacks, fruit and beverages.
- Family Kitchen: Featuring four modern cooking stations—two of which are ADA-compliant—and a community donation pantry for shared access to ingredients and snacks. Located adjacent to the recreation area, the kitchen allows caregivers to prepare meals while remaining connected to their children, making mealtimes easier, more accessible and more family centered. For the Grand Opening, Rao’s Homemade stocked the kitchen with donated products while Macy’s donated kitchenware and appliances.
- 73rd Street Studio: A soundproof music and podcast studio where children can take music lessons with RMH-NY’s volunteer instructors or host their podcast.
- Children & Family Enrichment Across the Community Floor: New spaces give children and caregivers room to learn, play, work and spend time together, including an early childhood lounge, recreation area, and dedicated homework and tutoring area. Glass enclosures provide visibility and safety, while integrated digital displays and interactive programming. Dedicated phone booths also offer caregivers quiet space to take calls or focus on work while remaining near their children.
The Community Floor represents years of vision, planning, and partnership—and a continued investment in the well-being of the children and families who call Ronald McDonald House New York home. As a 501(c)(3) organization, 95% of funding comes from generous donors and supporters who ensure this space and others remain vibrant and welcoming for the thousands of families who will use it for years to come. Additional philanthropic support remains essential to sustaining and enhancing the Community Floor, with naming opportunities still available for several key areas. To learn more and support the Community Floor, visit rmh-newyork.org/community-floor.
RMH-NY supports children and families from NYC, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious pediatric illnesses through its House on the Upper East Side in Manhattan as well as in partnering NYC hospitals.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) provides temporary housing and support services for children and families while they receive treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses at nearby hospitals. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 22 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health within the New York City community. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org
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