In-Kind Gifts

Ronald McDonald House of New York supports its mission and programs not only through cash contributions but by the generosity of “in-kind” donations from individuals, corporations, schools and community groups. In-kind donations take on many forms and range in scope from simple gifts of soap and toothpaste to toys, airline miles, household items, postage, contributions of printing, shipping and other necessary services or entertainment opportunities for our children and families. In-kind gifts allow us to focus our budget dollars on the most critical, day-to-day needs of the children and families undergoing pediatric cancer treatment – needs such as transportation to and from our cancer treatment centers and the extensive overhead of housing 84 families each night in spite of the current economic crisis and the rapidly rising cost of living. Please take some time to look over the House's Wish List to get an idea of what we are currently in need of. Also, below is a sampling of the many other ways you can give to the House and support its mission. For more information, please contact the individuals listed below at 212.639.0100 or info@rmdh.org.

• Bulk Donations: If you, your community group or company would like to share bulk donations of new goods, seasonal surplus merchandise or other large-scale contributions, please contact Wini Cudjoe, Director of House Operations.
  
  
• Ultimateregistry.com: Please visit ultimateregistry.com/rmdhny and help provide some of the comforts of home to the 84 families living with us each day. We welcome your help in providing items such as shower curtains, gift cards and food items (many other items to choose from!).
  
  
• Donate Your Airline Miles: As many of you know, most of the major airlines have now made it possible to donate your frequent flyer miles to recognized 501 ( c ) 3 organizations such as Ronald McDonald House of New York. When you donate your miles to us, you help support and maintain the programs of the House. To donate your miles to Ronald McDonald House of New York, please contact your airline’s frequent flyer Program Manager. For other questions regarding your donation of miles to the House, please contact Joseph Guidetti, Chief Financial Officer.
  
  
• Third-Party Fundraising: As your company plans its philanthropic activities for 2009, please consider organizing a “Third-Party Fundraiser” to benefit Ronald McDonald House of New York. Your company’s employees can help make a difference in the lives of children battling pediatric cancer by organizing events such as golf outings, dances and block parties throughout the year. These caring, humanitarian efforts promote teamwork and camaraderie amongst co-workers, vendors and the community all while raising major funds for an important cause. If you are interested in arranging a Third-Party Fundraiser to benefit Ronald McDonald House of New York, please contact Karen Kirk, Director of Special Events.
  
  
• Giving the United Way: Do you participate in the United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, CUNY Campaign for Voluntary Charitable Giving, Municipal Combined Campaign or NYS Employees Federal Appeal at work? Please consider “donor designating” a gift to Ronald McDonald House of New York. This is a great way to make a gift that won’t dramatically impact cash flow but would be a generous way to help us continue the work we do. The following codes can be used: Tri-State United Way #003447; NYC Combined Federal Campaign #11277; CUNY Campaign for Voluntary Charitable Giving or Combined Municipal Campaign #0610. You will also find our Agency Code in the campaign material provided to you. Ronald McDonald House of New York is a registered 501 ( c ) 3 organization. For more information on Giving the United Way, please contact Patrick Lenz, Director of Major Gifts.

• House Seats: Give our families a break from the rigors of cancer treatment by offering them a night out. Donate you unused tickets to sporting events, theater, museums or other special events to the House for use by our children and families. For more information on how to donate tickets to the House Seats Program, please contact Fordham Murdy, Evening Program Manager.
  

Estate Planning

You can help tomorrow’s families by making a bequest in your Will or Estate Plan.  Help us provide a comfortable home-away-from-home filled with love, stability, respite and Hope for all of the families who will need us in the years to come. Please consider one of the following ways to remember us in your Will or Estate Plan:

• Charitable Bequest: A gift in your Will is the simplest way to remember our House in your Estate Plan.  There is no lifetime cost and your estate may qualify for a charitable deduction. 
  
  
• Life Insurance: A life insurance policy you no longer need makes an excellent gift to the House. You may either designate the House as a beneficiary or grant us ownership of the policy.
  
  
• Retirement and Pension Plans: Ronald McDonald House of New York can be the beneficiary (or partial beneficiary) of your IRA, other retirement plan or pension plan. By using percentages that add up to 100%, you have the ability to name the House as a recipient of funds from these plans after providing for your loved ones.
  
  
• Life Income Gifts:  There are several varieties of charitable trusts that pay lifetime income to you alone, or to you and a loved one. At your passing, what remains is a gift to the House.

If you have already included us in your Will or Estate Plan, please let us know. We’d like to thank you and welcome you into our Vivian Harris Society. During her 26-year tenure as our founding President, Vivian nurtured our families and inspired staff.  She was a tireless and gracious leader with uncommon vision. The members of our Vivian Harris Society embody Vivian’s triumphant spirit by recognizing the House in their long-term plans. For more information on Planned Giving programs or the Vivian Harris Society, please contact Patrick Lenz, Director of Major Gifts.