St. James running event raises $130K for Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House

More than 800 runners turned out for the third annual St. James Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on Saturday, May 9, raising more than $130,000 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Long Island and its campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

“We’ve had overwhelming support and participation from the community, proving how much everyone wants to see us build the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Wong Lippe, capital campaign chair and race co-organizer. “We can’t wait to see this project become reality very soon.” 

Participants chose between the timed 5-mile race or the 5K fun run/walk, drawing competitive runners, casual walkers, children, and families alike. The morning featured a vendor village and community celebration on the grounds of the farm, during which musicians from The Jazz Loft performed and led runners to the start line.

Currently under construction, the new Ronald McDonald House in Stony Brook is planned to open in late 2027 and will provide no-cost housing, meals, therapies and 24/7 support to hospitalized children and their families.