RBC Capital Markets & New York Rangers team up with RMH-NY, raising $675,000 to advance the nonprofit’s mission;
Event hosted by longtime play-by-play announcer for the New York Rangers Sam Rosen & honored eight-year-old cancer warrior
Eight-year-old Emanuel, a cancer warrior and amputee, was honored by his hockey coaches, mentors, teammates and New York Rangers greats for his remarkable courage during Ronald McDonald House New York’s (RMH-NY) 31st Annual Skate with the Greats on April 3. New York Rangers legends and hundreds of New Yorkers came together at the Lighthouse & Sky Rink at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, to recognize Emanuel while supporting RMH-NY and the many families the organization serves who are battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
With RBC Capital Markets as lead sponsor, this year’s event raised $675,000, which will further RMH-NY's mission to advance health equity and provide critical care and support to vulnerable families within its House on East 73rd Street and through partnerships with hospitals across the five boroughs.
“This year, we are proud to recognize Emanuel and his family, whose journey embodies the strength and resilience of so many families we serve,” said Dr. Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. “The sense of belonging and camaraderie he found—both through the sport of hockey and at our House in Manhattan—demonstrates the power of community and compassion at Ronald McDonald House New York. Skate with the Greats is one of our most anticipated signature events, and the funds raised help to ensure families like Emanuel’s have access to the care and resources they need during the most challenging times. We’re profoundly grateful for the ongoing support from RBC Capital Markets, the New York Rangers, and The Garden of Dreams Foundation, and everyone who made this year’s event a success.”
A highlight of the evening included a special tribute, as RMH-NY Board Member Judy Gilbert and several New York Rangers greats presented a team jersey to Emanuel’s hockey coaches and teammates on his behalf, honoring his unwavering perseverance throughout his cancer battle.
After his osteosarcoma returned, Emanuel and his family left their home in Paraguay to seek lifesaving treatment in New York. RMH-NY’s House on East 73rd Street quickly became more than just a place to stay–it became a source of love, support, and community for the family. In May 2024, Emanuel underwent the amputation of his left leg, a pivotal step in his fight against cancer, yet his spirit never faltered. During his time in New York, Emanuel discovered an unexpected passion for sled hockey through the WSF Sled Rangers, supported by the New York Rangers. Drawn to the resilience of adaptive athletes, he found a new source of strength. Recently, Emanuel and his family also had the unforgettable experience of attending a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden, which further deepened his connection to the sport and the team that embraced him.
To honor New York Rangers legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert, RMH-NY kicked off this year’s event with the fourth annual Rod Gilbert Memorial Hockey Game, where New Yorkers hit the ice to face off against Rangers greats.
Following the game, guests gathered for a waterfront celebration at The Lighthouse. During the program, Jim Flanagan, Chairman of RMH-NY’s Board of Directors, welcomed attendees and longtime New York Rangers play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen served as the event emcee. Bobby Grubert, Managing Director, Royal Bank of Canada and former RMH-NY Board Chairman, also delivered remarks, highlighting RBC’s long-standing commitment to RMH-NY.
“At RBC, we are deeply committed to supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families,” said Bobby Grubert, Royal Bank of Canada. “Ronald McDonald House New York provides essential care and resources to children battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses, and we are honored to continue our partnership as the lead sponsor of Skate with the Greats. Together, we are helping to ensure that Ronald McDonald House New York can expand its reach and provide even greater support to those who need it most.”
Former New York Rangers players in attendance included Nick Fotiu, Adam Graves, Ron Greschner, Ed Hospodar, Chris Kostopoulos, Tom Laidlaw, Brian Leetch, Henrik Lundqvist, Stéphane Matteau, Brian Mullen, Boo Nieves, Colton Orr, Mike Richter, Pete Stemkowski and Steve Vickers. Along with these iconic appearances, this year’s Skate with the Greats also featured ice skating, silent and live auctions, autographs, and more.
The participation of the New York Rangers is made possible through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity dedicated to bringing life-changing opportunities to young people in need. Major event sponsors included RBC Capital Markets, Bloomberg Philanthropies, GIII Apparel Group Ltd., McDonald's New York Metro Owners Association, Ellen R. Harris, Northwell Health, PwC, the New York Rangers, and the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
RMH-NY supports families from NYC, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses through its House on East 73rd Street in Manhattan as well as in partnering NYC hospitals.
To learn more about the Skate with the Greats event or make a contribution, please visit: https://skate.rmh-newyork.org/.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) is New York City’s House. The organization provides temporary housing for children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 16 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families with children with serious illnesses at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health inequalities faced within the New York City community. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org
About RBC Capital Markets
RBC Capital Markets is recognized by the most significant corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments around the globe as an innovative, trusted partner with an in-depth expertise in capital markets, banking, and finance.
We are well-established in the largest, most mature capital markets with over 7,300 employees across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region in 70 offices and 15 countries, collectively encompassing more than 80% of global investment banking activity each year.
About the Garden of Dreams Foundation
The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit charity dedicated to bringing life-changing opportunities to young people in need. In partnership with MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports and Sphere Entertainment – including the Knicks, Rangers, Rockettes, Westchester Knicks, famed showplaces, and regional sports and entertainment television networks – the Garden of Dreams brings young people together to raise their spirits, build resilience, and provide networking, mentoring and educational opportunities through MSG’s power of community building. All of the Foundation’s activities are driven by three guiding principles – Community Projects, Education, Inspiration & Joy – and target young people facing illness or financial challenges, as well as children of uniformed personnel who have been lost or injured while serving our communities. Since its inception in 2006, the Garden of Dreams Foundation has impacted more than 440,000 young people and their families.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250404999188/en/
Contacts
Sarah James
Marino.
212.402.3520
sjames@marinopr.com
