Ronald McDonald House will be partnering with the New York Islanders and the Clark Gillies Foundation creating a hockey room at their New York Metro facility.
Ronald McDonald House Charities announced on Thursday that it will be partnering with the New York Islanders and the Clark Gillies Foundation to make a hockey room at their New York Metro facility.
"We are delighted to expand our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro and the Clark Gillies Foundation,” Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky said in a statement. “This new room will offer joy, comfort and a much-needed respite to families during their toughest moments.”
The room will take cues from UBS Arena and allow families and children to be comfortable while visiting. According to the release, amenities include televisions, computer and video games and various Islanders decorative items, including team banners and photos of Gillies himself.
The room will also continue the efforts of the Clark Gillies Foundation in helping pediatric patients. Gillies consistently helped out the Long Island community and patients in need, notably donating to Huntington Hospital to open a new emergency room. It was named the Clark Gillies Pediatric Emergency Unit in his honor.
Gillies passed away in January 2022, but the foundation is confident that this will carry on his legacy. Clark Gillies Foundation Executive Director Emily Tyree said, “Clark’s roots are deeply entrenched in hockey, but his charitable efforts have expanded his impact across Long Island. He would be thrilled to partner with the team that gave him so much, helping to support children and their families who need it most. This project embodies Clark’s legacy of generosity and community spirit. We are honored to contribute.”
Construction on the room will begin next month with opening scheduled for the end of the year.