The first Ronald McDonald House opened in October 1974, as the result of the perseverance and dedication of Fred Hill, a former Philadelphia Eagles football player. After Hill's daughter Kim was treated for Leukemia, he and his teammates were determined to do something to benefit families of hospitalized children. A joint effort by the Eagles and Philadelphia area McDonald's restaurant owners raised enough money to build the first Ronald McDonald House.

The Long Island House is the 100th Ronald McDonald House in the world. There are 217 Houses, 145 of which are in the United States. Each is a non-profit organization operated by an independent volunteer Board of Directors.

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a newly expanded 42 bedroom facility located on the campus of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, adjacent to Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park. The House is situated on 3/4 of an acre donated by the Board of Trustees of Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The 45,000 square foot House includes 42 bedrooms, each with a private bath, children's play areas both inside and out, library, four kitchen stations, a fully stocked food pantry, three laundry rooms and a Great Room where the families can socialize or watch television. Our second floor also has a TV room that offers a little more privacy.

The House has 8 full-time staff members, which include an Executive Director, House Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, and maintenance/housekeeping personnel. They are assisted by a number of weekend and part-time staff and over 100 volunteers.