Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro unveils family lounge by Cevasco Design Inc.

Queens, NY Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated third-floor lounge at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 1, 2025. The renovation was made possible through a $125,000 gift from the Giannola family. The Giannola family was honored at Ronald McDonald House’s 2023 Gala celebration.

Three generations of Giannola family members – more than 40 people in all – gathered for the celebration.

The redesigned lounge serves as one of several inviting common areas within the 50,000 s/f house, where families can rest, work remotely, play video games, or simply unwind after long days spent at nearby Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Designed by Margreet Cevasco of Cevasco Design Inc., the third-floor space features a calming color palette accented with textured wallpaper, fabrics and upholstery, contemporary décor, and warm lighting. A nook with a mounted TV and couch creates a spot for kids and teens to play games or watch movies.

The transformation was also made possible by the generosity of Long Island–based partner Frank & Anthony Giaramita, a local, family-owned upholstery and drapery company, who donated built-ins and furnishings. Kravet Inc., longstanding friends of Ronald McDonald House, contributed additional finishings. 

The renovation reflects Ronald McDonald House’s commitment to providing not only shelter but also peace of mind to the more than 1,000 families who stay at the house each year.

“We want this space to bring comfort, joy, and happiness, to make families comfortable and feel like they are in their own home,” said Vito Giannola, one of the three generations of the Giannola family that gathered for the celebration.

“It is so meaningful to see a family of this size helping the families here at Ronald McDonald House. Families helping families is what it’s all about,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “What we want for our families is exactly what the Giannolas did for us, which is create a home-like environment so that guests can rest and recharge after long days at the hospital.” 

“It was my honor to work with the Giannola Family on this Lounge,” said Cevasco. “Our goal was to create a space for families to relax, refocus, and unwind. I enjoyed collaborating with the Giannolas, Frank from Home Interiors by Anthony, and Kravet to create the most beautiful and healing environment possible.”

The unveiling comes as Ronald McDonald House recently launched Stony Brook Project Design, an initiative engaging interior designers to create comforting spaces at the newest Ronald McDonald House next to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, scheduled to open in 2027.