The New York Chapter of the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers recently gave an extra boost to the $5 million expansion project of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. President Alan Rada, C.P., and several Guild members visited the House prior to its grand opening to formally make a charitable donation in the form of 160 rolls of wallpaper along with free installation. The donation was valued at $6,000.

“Each year the New York Chapter selects a nonsectarian organization that is making a difference in its community and makes a donation. When we looked at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, reviewed its wonderful mission and linked it with the expansion project, we felt it was a perfect fit for our contribution,” Mr. Rada said. “The Guild was established in 1974 to support those in the craft of professional paperhanging. We feel the installation of the wallpaper at the Ronald McDonald House enhanced our mission and we are certain it will provide a touch of “home” that the residents here will appreciate for a long time.”

Faced with a budget dilemma, the Director of the Ronald McDonald House, Ms. Silvanna LaFerlita Gullo, turned to the generous members of the NY Chapter of NGPP who gave up their Saturday in order that the House would look perfect. Present at the installation were professional paperhangers: Jeff Brauchler, C.P., Kevin Weis, Lou Ligeri, John Forsyth, Peter Baldaserro, Edward Eng, Larry Leopold, David Steinberg, Elliot Garfinkle, Alan Rada, C.P. and his apprentice, Christopher Rosales.

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment in local hospitals. Located on the campus of Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Since opening in 1986, the House has served more than 7,500 families from the United Sates and more than 62 countries from around the world. Many of the families who stay at the House are from Long Island , as well as the five boroughs of New York City.

Ms. Gullo writes to the New York Chapter, “A sincere thank you doesn’t seem enough to express our gratitude for what your members did for our Ronald McDonald House. Eight years ago when the House was renovated, we were told wallpapering the hallways was the best thing to do. The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island will stand as a testament of what professionals sharing their talent can do. On behalf of all the worthwhile organizations who would love to be able to provide an inviting and welcoming environment to the people they assist, thank you for understanding how beautiful, clean, and lovely wall papered walls make a difference to people in crisis.”

Presentation of award: Senator Frank Padavan, Councilman David Weprin, Alan Rada, C.P. and Lou Ligeri of the New York Chapter of NGPP for donation and installation of 4,000 square feet of wallpaper for existing and newly constructed areas of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

Left to Right: Jeff Brauchler, C.P., Kevin Weis, Lou Ligeri, John Forsyth, David Steinberg, Edward Eng, Director of Ronald McDonald House, Silvana LaFerita Gullo, Peter Baldasaro, Alan Rada, C.P., Elliot Garfinkle, Christopher Rosales, and Larry Leopold.