Hockey-themed inspirational room unveiled at Ronald McDonald House
The New York Islanders, Clark Gillies Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New York Metro cut the ribbon to officially dedicate and open the New York Islanders Clark Gillies Media Room at Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park on Thursday, April 3.
The hockey-themed room is intended to provide relaxation and respite to children and families facing a pediatric medical crisis.
The ceremony took place around what would be Clark Gillies’ 71st birthday.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders. “We’re stewards of this fantastic community trust that gives people the opportunity to promote their cause and tell the community how great things like Ronald McDonald House are.”
Joining the festivities were Jon Ledecky, Islanders legends Butch Goring and Bryan Trottier, Islanders alums Josh Bailey, Johnny Boychuk and Cal Clutterbuck; Pam Gillies, co-founder/board member, Clark Gillies Foundation; Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC New York Metro and Tina and Chris Albano, a family that has used the Ronald McDonald House.
“This would have been Clark’s dream,” said Pam Gillies, Clark Gillies’ wife. “It helps kids, it’s Islanders. If it’s two things that Clark loved, he loved his New York Islanders and he loved helping kids. So, this is a perfect partnership and the room is beautiful.”
Taking nods from the state-of-the-art UBS Arena, the home of the Islanders, the room is adorned with Islanders logos, replica lockers, murals of the team, Stanley Cup banners and pictures of legend Clark Gillies. Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Kim Radovich Home designed the space with donated textiles and furnishings.
“The thing that I love about this space is that it’s so versatile,” said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “Whether families want to come in and watch TV or play video games or even use the computer station that we have in here there’s something for everyone in this space.”
For more information about the project or to support the Ronald McDonald House, the Islanders Children’s Foundation or the Clark Gillies Foundation, visit www.rmhcnym.org, www.newyorkislanders.com/icf and www.clarkgillies.org.
