By Jennifer La Lima
More than 180 guests recently attended Evan Horowitz's birthday party at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Bellmore. And from each of his guests, Evan asked that, in lieu of gifts, a donation be made to a more meaningful cause. To date, he has raised more than $3,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.
Families from around the world come to the Ronald McDonald House, a temporary home away from home for seriously ill children and their families who are visiting area hospitals. The Long Island house, in New Hyde Park, accommodates up to 18 families each night. In addition to many New York locations, the house is currently home to a family from Russia and one from Iraq.
For the third time in three years, Evan, of Merrick, has dedicated his birthday to helping the Ronald McDonald House. "I like helping the kids," he said. "Next year I'm going to have a Valentine theme for my birthday."
Evan also said that he plans on raising money for the house for many more birthdays to come.
When asked before his third birthday what he would like for his party and gifts, Evan told his mother, Julie, that he had more than enough toys. Hanukkah had passed so close to his birthday, and he was interested in doing something different. Although Julie made the suggestion to her son that he dedicate his birthday to raising money for less fortunate children, it was Evan who ran with the idea, making it something of a family tradition.
"Even at such a young age, Evan really understands the concept of the Ronald McDonald House,² Julie said. ³He is excited to share his birthday in such a meaningful way. What is important is that Evan has a good grasp of the meaning of community service. I'm really proud of him. The generosity really comes from him. As parents, we're supposed to teach our children how to do the right thing, but he has actually taught us so much."
Evan has toured the Ronald McDonald House many times. As a child himself, he can appreciate the welcoming atmosphere experienced by less fortunate children who stay at the house while visiting doctors at nearby hospitals. The main room is Sesame Street-like, with giant, colorful playhouses and plush stuffed animals more than twice the size of a child. Families can spend time together in a comfortable community living room, library or playroom. The house also encourages families to relate to others who are experiencing the illness of a young child.
Julie and the Ronald McDonald House staff have explained to Evan the many ways in which he has helped the children and families. His name is inscribed on a gold leaf in the house for a past donation of $1,000, and he has pledged that in the coming year he will donate another $1,000, for a total of $3,000. As a thank you, the house will dedicate an inscribed heart on the wall in Evan¹s name.
The house representative, Karen Bonnet, has witnessed Evan's enthusiasm in his visits to the New Hyde Park location. "We think it's just amazing that a child his age has done what he's done, and even more, that he actually understands how he is helping others,² Bonnet said. ³He truly gives freely, knowing that what he is doing will help the members of the house."
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