Hundreds of New Yorkers joined Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) for its Annual Gala on Tuesday, October 6 at Cipriani Wall Street, raising more than $4.1 million to support children and families facing pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses. The evening celebrated a year of growth and transformation for RMH-NY, while honoring those whose advocacy and generosity help make the organization’s work possible.

At the heart of the evening, eight-year-old Alessia, her parents and younger sister took the stage to share their experience facing serious illness and the role RMH-NY played in their journey, offering stability, connection and support when their family needed it most. The family first stayed at RMH-NY on East 73rd Street while Alessia recovered from a stem cell transplant in one of RMH-NY’s six post-transplant suites, allowing her to recover alongside her family and close to her care team during a time when she otherwise would have needed to remain isolated in the hospital.

“As Ronald McDonald House New York looks to its next chapter, we remain grounded in the mission that has guided us for more than 45 years: keeping families close when a child is facing a medical crisis and surrounding them with comfort, care and community,” said Lucretia Gilbert, president and CEO of RMH-NY. “The funds raised through this year’s Gala will help us continue to serve families as they face pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses. We are honored to celebrate inspiring young people like Alessia, whose story brings our mission to life, and deeply grateful to our honorees, sponsors and supporters who make this work possible.”

This year’s Gala, made possible through the support of major event sponsors AIG, Arch Capital, Blavatnik Family Foundation, Essent, The Fidelis Partnership and Travelers, recognized four leaders for their dedication to RMH-NY’s mission: Ken Alpert, President, KA Design Group; Maria Olivo, Chief Risk Officer and EVP, Enterprise Risk Management, Reinsurance and Strategic Development, Travelers; Maamoun Rajeh, President, Arch Capital Group Ltd.; and William Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer, Accredited Global, Inc.

The evening also celebrated the longstanding generosity and partnership of the insurance industry with RMH-NY, recognizing Olivo, Rajeh and Spiegel for their philanthropic leadership and continued support of the House and the children and families it serves.

Alpert received the House Champion Award in recognition of more than a decade of advocacy on behalf of RMH-NY, helping open doors, introduce new supporters and serve as a dedicated ambassador for the House.

Tony Award-winning singer Kelli O’Hara also delivered a special performance during the Gala as well as the Jordan Kahn Band.

First diagnosed with sickle cell disease through newborn screening, Alessia traveled with her parents from Long Island to New York City in 2025 to undergo a stem cell transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). During her recovery, the House on East 73rd Street offered the family more than a place to stay—it provided a community and a home away from home, allowing them to remain together during an uncertain time. Since then, the family has returned 12 times to stay at RMH-NY while Alessia receives further treatment.

RMH-NY supports children and families from New York City, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses through its House on East 73rd Street in Manhattan as well as in partnering New York City hospitals.

To learn more about RMH-NY’s Annual Gala and the organization’s mission or to make a contribution, please visit: gala.rmh-newyork.org.

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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