In the earliest days of Ronald McDonald House New York, before there were playrooms and family suites, volunteer teams and even before East 73rd street, there was Jeanne Riegel. Around the House, she is just known as Jeannie.
Jeannie wasn’t just one of our inaugural volunteers, she was RMH-NY's very first volunteer coordinator. A warm spirit with a servant's heart, Jeannie joined the House after seeing a call for help from the Volunteer Referral Service in the early 1980s. At the time, the House operated out of two townhouses on East 86th Street with only 24 rooms and a handful of staff. But where others saw limitations, Jeannie saw opportunity.
She and her close friend Mary Lambert took the initiative and began organizing games and face painting for the children, offering moments of joy in the midst of unimaginable challenges. Jeannie didn’t come for recognition. She came because she believed in showing up for families when it mattered most.
Jeannie and Mary Lambert during a weekly 'Coffee and Cookies' event.
As the House grew, so did her commitment. Jeannie created and led some of our very first family programming, including the now-beloved "Coffee and Cookies" afternoons, a simple but powerful idea that brought parents together in comfort, solidarity, and support. For many caregivers facing the toughest days of their lives, Jeannie's smile and listening ear became part of their healing journey.
In 2011, Jeannie was honored with the Hope Award, recognizing over 25 years of exceptional service to our mission. But she would have told you her greatest reward came from the friendships she made and the laughter she shared with our families. She remained a constant presence at the House for four decades, serving lemonade and encouragement with equal measure.
2011 Hope Award Recipients with Former RMH-NY CEO William T. Sullivan
Jeannie Riegel recently passed away. We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to Jeannie, but her spirit continues to live on in the halls of our House, in the volunteer programs she helped create and shape, and in the thousands of families she touched.
It is impossible to tell the story of Ronald McDonald House New York without honoring the legacy of Jeannie Riegel. Her life reminds us that impact isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a gentle hand, a shared cookie, or a kind word.
We invite you to make a gift in her honor today. Your donation supports the volunteer-led programs Jeannie cherished most and ensures that her legacy of compassion endures for generations to come.
