Hundreds of people showed up on Saturday, May 11th for the St. James 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run. Participants came out to support RMHC New York Metro’s Capital Campaign to build a Ronald McDonald House next to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. There are thousands of children and families who receive care at Stony Brook Children’s every year. The new Ronald McDonald House would provide those families with a home away from home so they can focus on the health and well-being of their sick or injured child.
The race raised more than $86,000 for the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, scheduled to begin construction this year.
“This house is for us here in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Lippe, Chair, Ronald McDonald House Capital Campaign Cabinet and Race Organizer. “It will support Stony Brook Children’s, which is the only children’s hospital we have, and the only level 1 pediatric trauma center we have.” The race was also organized by co-race director James Remien of NexCycle Fitness in St. James.
This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park on the border of Queens, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
A Home Away from Home
The 3-story, 60,000 sq. ft. building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, outdoor playgrounds, interactive playrooms, homeschooling spaces, and workspaces. It will also include three community kitchens providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, a wellness center, and laundry facilities.
A block party-style celebration followed the race and included music, 50/50 raffle, beer garden, kids’ games and activities, food trucks, vendor row, and more.
Sponsor Shout-Outs
Inaugural Presenting Sponsor: Stony Brook Children’s Hospital – the only children’s hospital AND level-1 pediatric trauma center in all of Suffolk County.
Platinum Sponsors
- Aeon Nexus
- JP Morgan Private Bank
- Teachers Federal Credit Union
- Synergy Wealth Strategies
Diamond Sponsors
- Alfresco Backyard Living
- Nicolock Paving Stones
- OTB/Jake 58
Gold
- Bulovas Restorations, Inc.
- The Frisbeasts
- Harbor Country Day School
- Haugland Group
- Laurel Hill Camp
- The Lockhart Sanders Group at Morgan Stanley
- NexLevel Fitness
- Omega Moulding Company
- The Owen Family
- R.J.K. Gardens
- Save Flowerfield Fairgrounds!
- Tara A. Scully, P.C.
- Smithtown Rotary Club
- The Stony Brook School Bears
- Stony Brook University’s 1957 Club
- TRITEC
Silver
- Avalon Nature Preserve
- Carter Design
- Nick and Niki Croce
- Elaine’s Restaurant
- Energy Fitness
- The Jazz Loft
- Vincent Medordi, Signature Premier Properties
- Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society
- Temple Isaiah of Stony Brook
____________________________________________
In kind donors
- Bagel Express
- Gia…giamas Lemonade
- Optimum
- Connoisseur Media and WALK 97.5 FM
- The Stone Goat
- Tri Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Get Involved
This is just one incredible way to support Ronald McDonald House Charities—and there are so many more. Your involvement makes a real difference. Want to help more families share hugs, smiles, and time together when they need it most? Get involved here!
Let’s keep the momentum going—because love builds homes, and community keeps them strong.