Ronald McDonald House® New York 22nd Annual Gala Raises More Than $3 Million, "Funding Futures" For Children Battling Cancer

NEW YORK, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday night, guests at the Waldorf Astoria New York Ballroom joined together to raise more than $3 million, "funding futures" for children battling pediatric cancer. Nick Cannon served as the master of ceremonies for the event, with proceeds to benefit families staying at Ronald McDonald House® New York. The largest facility of its type, the funds raised during the organization's 22^nd Annual Gala will support operating costs of New York City's 'home away from home' for children undergoing active treatment while battling cancer.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the contributions of this year's honorees whose great work in support of our mission means so much to the thousands of families that we serve," said Stanley B. Shopkorn, chairman of the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House New York. "The gala holds great significance not just for the money raised, but also for the great awareness of our mission that will continue to resonate long after the evening is over. By highlighting how Vince and Louise Camuto and James B. Lee have generously given of their time and resources to help our families, our annual gala inspires more people to get involved. We couldn't be more pleased to have their support, and they have our gratitude."

This year's gala celebrated and honored the work of Louise Camuto, creative director of the Camuto Group, Vince Camuto, chief creative officer & CEO of the Camuto Group, and James B. Lee Jr., vice chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

The attendees at this year's event included presenter Clinton Kelly, co-host of ABC's "The Chew;" presenter Kenneth G. Langone, Invemed Associates; Tina Lundgren, Ronald McDonald House New York vice chairman; Jeff Gennette, chief merchandising officer, Macy's Inc., Tom Murry, CEO of Calvin Klein; Thomas Moran, CEO & president of Mutual of America, Joan Squires, chief information officer of Mutual of America, Raymond Tierney, CEO & president, Bloomberg Tradebook, and NHL great Rod Gilbert.

The 22nd annual gala featured performances by Broadway Inspirational Voices, as well as a touching performance of an original composition by a child receiving services via the Ronald McDonald House. Singer Carly Rose Sonenclar, of FOX'S X Factor and Broadway fame, also sang her signature hit "Feeling Good," and an inspiring rendition of her original song, "Fighters."

To view images and other highlights from the event, please visit www.facebook.com/rmhnewyork.  High-resolution images for print and Web publication are also available. To learn more about the House or to make a donation, please visit www.rmh-newyork.org.  

About the Ronald McDonald House New York
Ronald McDonald House New York provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems.  Ronald McDonald House New York is the largest facility of its type in the world. The House can accommodate 84 families, and it is filled to capacity almost every night. The House's location in Manhattan, in close proximity to 13 major cancer treatment centers, draws children and families from across the country and the world, as well as from the metropolitan New York City area.  Since its founding, more than 30,000 families have stayed at Ronald McDonald House New York.  For more information, visit www.rmh-newyork.org.

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SOURCE Ronald McDonald House New York