FIREFIGHTERS RAISE $19,300 FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF THE GREATER HUDSON VALLEY
Funds were raised from 2014 Charity Cup Hockey Game and Boot Drive
(July 14, 2014, White Plains and Valhalla, N.Y.) – On Sunday, July 13, the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley was thrilled to receive a $19,300 check from PFFA Local 274. Members of White Plains Firefighters Local 274 gathered at the House for the occasion, presenting the check to Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley’s Executive Director, Marielena DiMatteo, and the House’s Events and Communications Manager, Jeanine Racioppo. The Ronald McDonald House is located on the grounds of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY.
“Fundraising events sustain 60% of our annual operating budget, so this generous donation is tremendously appreciated and important,” said DiMatteo. “It will allow the House to continue providing a comfortable, welcoming home-away-from-home for families with children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, and other nearby hospitals, who suffer from various life threatening illnesses and injuries.”
The White Plains Firefighters had hosted the 19th Annual Charity Cup hockey game onSaturday, March 29. The Charity Cup was established more than 25 years ago as a way for New York-area firefighters and policemen to support charities. Since 2004, the event has been raising money for Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. The Charity Cup took place at Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains, NY.
Then, on April 5, firefighters took to the streets in the White Plains area - gathering funds in their boots as part of the first Boot Drive effort for Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley! In total, the Charity Cup and Boot Drive raised $19,300 to benefit the House.
The White Plains Firefighters will also be volunteering to cook dinner for the guest families at the House on Saturday, September 27.
Individuals and organizations interested in donating, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley are encouraged to contact Jeanine Racioppo at
914-493-6455 or
jracioppo@ronaldhouseghv.org. Donations may also be made online at
www.rmh-ghv.org.
About Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley
Since opening its doors in May 2011, the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley has served more than 500 families and has had an average 96% occupancy rate. Families who stay at the House have children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Blythedale Children’s Hospital and other nearby hospitals, who suffer from various life threatening illnesses and injuries.
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley asks families for a $15 per night donation even though the cost to the House is $119 per night. Only about 50% of families the House serves can afford to pay the suggested donation. Since the House is individually operated and self-funded, it relies on support from the local community through fundraising events and donations, as well as support from local McDonald’s restaurants.
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is licensed by McDonald’s Corporation; however, House operations are not annually funded by the corporation or by any hospitals served, so every donation makes a difference.
Located on the grounds of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, N.Y., the House has 12 bedrooms with amenities, including: two kitchens, two laundry rooms, common areas and game rooms. In addition to these amenities, volunteers offer healing and hospitality through home-cooked meals for families, as well as reflexology, yoga, art therapy, haircuts, and other services to promote health and relieve stress.
