Stars Show Up to Support the Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House at Benefit Concert

Long Island stars showed out to support the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook. Among those in attendance were Anthony Nunziata, Leah Laurenti, Joy Mangano, Elisa DiStefano, and Senator Mario Mattera. RMHC New York Metro's Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer Nicholson and Nick Croce, Board Member welcomed and thanked guests for supporting the Capital Campaign.

On Tuesday, June 18th, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New York Metro held a benefit concert to support the Capital Campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Anthony Nunziata, romantic singing sensation, headlined with covers and original songs at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, Long Island. Long Island’s own Leah Laurenti opened the show with a moving cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” It was a beautiful evening and saw hundreds show up in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Concert guests pose in front of an RMHC sign as they support the Capital Campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County.

Joy brings smiles as Griswold family takes the stage.

Inventor and Entrepreneur, Joy Mangano, emceed, bringing everyone together for a great cause. Joy illustrated the need for a Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook, bringing to the stage a family who used the Ronald McDonald Stony Brook Family Rooms in 2017. The Griswold Family stayed bedside when their 3-month-old son Nash underwent numerous tests, surgeries and procedures to save his life. Today, Nash is a healthy, active seven-year-old boy. Thanks to the RMHC Family Rooms, the Griswold family was able to stay close by when Nash was sick in the hospital. As we fundraise to build a Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook, we are reminded of families like the Griswolds who could have benefitted from a home-away-from-home for the several months Nash was sick.

From left to right: Jessica Griswold, Chris Griswold, Nash Griswold, Colton Griswold, Jaxson Griswold, and Joy Mangano (Emcee).

A home-away-from-home in Suffolk County.

Nick Croce, Co-Chair of the Stony Brook Advisory Council and RMHC New York Metro Board Member, organized the event and welcomed guests from across Long Island. About the event, he shared “I want to thank our event sponsors and guests for showing up in support of our efforts to build a home-away-from-home for families with sick children here on Long Island. The new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook will feature 30 bedrooms, a fitness center, communal kitchens, movie theater, a playroom, and much more. Our goal is to relieve as much stress as possible so families can be there for their sick children.”

Construction for the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook begins this year with plans to open in 2026. To learn more or to get involved in the Capital Campaign, please click here or email Sam Ostler, Capital Campaign Manager at [email protected].