One of the most difficult challenges a family can face is the serious illness of a child. Families often travel far from home to get the best possible care from specialists at state-of-the art hospitals. Being far from home, family, and friends makes the situation more stressful. Ronald McDonald House Charities seeks to support the families of sick children by giving them a home-like place to stay. Every Ronald McDonald House provides meals, playrooms, and private bedrooms. Being near their child and medical team without worrying about day-to-day tasks allows families to focus on the healing process and stay in touch with hospital staff. With 59 local RMH Chapters around the world, this important charity is such a worthy cause.
Recently, a group of top designers participated in a special show house event called Project Design, sponsored by The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, Kravet, Inc., and New York Cottages and Gardens Magazine. These designers didn’t revamp just any home, but the Long Island Ronald McDonald House. This particular RMH services over a thousand families a year, providing much needed stability and support for parents and siblings of sick children. The many rooms of this RMH needed to be updated; turning the project into a show house served to bring additional funds to the charity. Participating designers included Amanda Nisbet, Anthony Baratta, Bunny Williams, Danielle Colding, Kerry Delrose, Jamie Drake, Drew McGukin, Dwell Studio, Elaine Griffin, Eric Cohler, Kate Singer, Kim E. Courtney, Mabley Handler, Margreet Cevasco, Mathew Patrick Smyth, Meg Braff, Jennifer Mehditash, Michael Herold, Michael Tavano, Jon Call, Nick Olsen, Pappas Miron, Suzanne Costa, Vasi Ypsilantis, Tilton Fenwick, and Young Huh. As the home’s original designer, Anthony Baratta served as Creative Director of Project Design. Unlike most show houses where the designers’ rooms are dismantled after the event, the work done at the Long Island Ronald McDonald House will stay in place to provide a beautiful environment for families who need a special home away from home.
The finished results of Project Design will be revealed at a Designer Showcase Gala on October 10. The evening will include a tour of the newly designed rooms, silent auction, fine dining, cocktails, and entertainment. From Friday, Oct 11 to Monday, Oct 14, visitors can tour the home for Open House Weekend. If you’re in the area, support the Ronald McDonald House by visiting for a tour!