The McDonald’s All American Games bring together the best high school basketball players to play and showcase their skills. 42 top boys and girls players travel from all over the country to experience what it’s like to play professionally, before they head off to college. Before college, however, the players get a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not just play at a professional arena, but to give back. This year, the 2025 All American players visited the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park to make cupcakes, play video games, and learn more about the mission. Throughout their visit, the players chatted with Ronald McDonald House families. The experience left a positive impression on the players and will impact their careers for years to come.
McDonald’s All American Games: Bigger than Basketball
In the words of ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, the McDonald’s All American Games are about more than basketball. For the young players visiting Ronald McDonald House, they see families in the middle of a tremendous hardship: pediatric cancer, a long NICU stay or their child’s surgery. For Cameron and Cayden Boozer, this experience left a lasting impression:
“It was an honor to be here with these kids,” Cayden said. “Despite their struggles, they still have smiles on their faces.”
Throughout their visit, players met families dealing with the unimaginable, but found joy, laughter, and creativity bonded them. Players found common ground and a sense of wonder making cupcakes and decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles. What could be better than that?
Game On: Having Fun on and off The Court
What’s your favorite video game? The McDonald’s All American Players had their favorites from NBA 2K, MarioKart, Fortnite, and beyond. Ronald McDonald House resident kiddos battled All American players for the top spot and had fun doing it. For the coaches and families looking on, it was great to see them delight in the moment. Resident families found connection and camaraderie in playing video games with the players, a memory that will last them a lifetime.
On the court, the McDonald’s All American players had an advantage; however, that all changed when Liam showed up. Tounde Yessoufou of Santa Maria St. Joseph (CA) helped Liam dunk on a toy hoop. The crowd went wild! Maybe Liam will be a future All American player like Tounde.
As all 42 players and their coaches toured Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, the players interacted with the resident families. The stations included backyard basketball plays and playground hangs. Kids and their parents ran around and even enjoyed a Happy Meal lunch. To cap things off, we ended the visit with a dance party in the Great Room.
All American Smiles
The Ronald McDonald House was full of heart and smiles.
For USC commit Alijah Arenas, the thought of giving back is not foreign. Alijah shared how his personality and gifts are perfectly suited to giving back:
“I realize there’s more to life than just basketball and what you can really get out of basketball,” Arenas said. “I’m kind of a guy that just likes to laugh and have fun, that’s my thing. No matter where I am … I just want to make everybody smile.”
Let the Games Begin!
Not long after the players visited the Ronald McDonald House, we were reunited at Barclay’s Center. Some of our resident families were given Adidas gear and all-access passes to meet the man himself: Ronald McDonald. Between Grimace and Ronald, we stood on the court to wave at the thousands of spectators at the McDonald’s All American Games. Together, we stood as a testament to the strength and resilience of our families. As the timer dinged to signal the start of the games, we reflected on the power of Ronald McDonald House’s mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.
As our founding and forever mission partner, McDonald’s continues to provide essential support that allows us to maintain, grow and deliver our care programs to families facing a pediatric medical crisis. For over 50 years, McDonald’s has stood by the families at Ronald McDonald House. Today, we celebrate our relationship and their unyielding support since 1974.
Thank you to the McDonald’s team, Ronald McDonald House and to the McDonald’s All American players, coaches, and affiliates for making this such a special experience. Our families, volunteers, and staff enjoyed the McDonald’s All American Games from start to finish!