Ronald McDonald House Hosts Dashing for Dylan Walk and Family Fun Day
Annual Dylan J. Hoffman Memorial Fundraising Event
September 18, 2024— Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) is hosting the Dashing for Dylan Walk, in honor of Dylan J. Hoffman, on Sunday, October 6th. The annual fundraising event will support programs that provide resources and support to families as they navigate their child’s medical crisis.
The Dashing for Dylan Walk and Family Fun Day, which will take place at Crawford Park in Rye Brook, challenges people of all ages to fundraise and join us in the Walk and Family Fun Day. The goal for the Dashing for Dylan event is to raise $50,000 which will provide over 250 nights of comfort to families during the most difficult time in their lives. Throughout the day there will be a multitude of family centered events and activities including music, BBQ, games, raffles, t-shirt dying, face painting and more.
“The Hoffman family of Wilton, CT, was one of the first families to stay at Ronald McDonald House when it opened in 2011, shortly after the birth of their son Dylan. The Hoffman's stayed at Ronald McDonald House for a total of 77 nights during three different admissions to the hospital over Dylan's life.” said Ashlyn Hay, Events & Volunteer Manager at RMHGHV. “Since his passing in 2014, the family continues to keep his memory alive and celebrate Dylan’s life by hosting this event, in conjunction with the House, in an effort to raise awareness and funds and continue to support families like theirs who require the services of Ronald McDonald House.”
The Grand Marshal for this year’s event, the Wallace Thomas family, will kick off the walk and lead the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Crawford Park. Their son Miko was born at 24 weeks and spent the first four and half months of his life in the NICU. "After a routine doctor's appointment I learned that I was going into early labor at 23 weeks. Despite all the efforts by the hospital to keep baby Miko in as long as possible he was born at 1 pound 11 ounces,’ said mom Shamika. “Ronald McDonald House provided a safe space for me and my family during this time and if it wasn’t for Ronald McDonald House I honestly don’t know where I would be mentally. They provided me with a room so I can be next to my baby at all times. Food to ensure I stayed healthy as a breastfeeding mom. I met moms like me that understood what I was going through. I can’t say enough about the staff that treated me and my family like family. We are forever grateful and will continue to support what is truly a blessing.”
DARCARS Automotive Group, with locations in Mt. Kisco and Greenwich will be this year’s Platinum Sponsor again for the event and will be on hand showcasing some cars at Family Fun Day. Other sponsors include: Image First. Breezemont Day Camp, Rye Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Four Corners Racing and more. All proceeds will support the families and children who call Ronald McDonald House their home and all donations made are 100 percent tax deductible. Registration fee of $10 per participant includes an event t-shirt and all Family Fun Day activities. To register or for more information visit www.rmh-ghv.org
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RM HGHV) provides families with all the comforts of home and eases some of the emotional and financial burdens they experience when faced with their child’s illness. When children must travel long distances to access top medical care, accommodations for families can be expensive or not readily available. Located on the campus of Westchester Medical Center the House is just steps away from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Since opening in 2011, RM HGHV has saved more than 3,000 families over $7,500,000 in out-of-pocket lodging and meal costs. As partners in enabling family-centered care RMHGHV strives to be part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families by providing programs that strengthen families during difficult times.
