David Wright stars at Ronald’s House

While many are talking about the NY Giants’ upcoming trip to the Super Bowl, at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island the focus was all about the Mets on Wednesday, January 23 when third baseman David Wright was on hand to rededicate the house’s Mets Room.
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, which is located in New Hyde Park and has been around for 21 years, serves as a “home-away-from home” for families while their children are receiving serious medical treatment at local hospitals. Two years ago, the Krueger Family/New York Mets Room was first opened, marking the 20th anniversary of the team’s 1986 World Series win and the house’s 20th anniversary. The room was originally in memory of the son of Jill and Stuart Krueger.
The room has now been refurbished to include a locker and benches made by the Mets’ carpenters, chairs from the Mets clubhouse, a chair from Dream Seats, a 37-inch television from Sharp and Fat Heads wall displays of Wright and Carlos Beltran.
“If they can just leave whatever is going on behind for a couple of hours to watch the Mets play or play video games or play board games, it’s well worth it,” Wright said during his first visit to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. He also said, “I’m very blessed and honored to be in a position where I can try helping [to] put smiles on these kids’ faces.”
Saul Katz, the President of the New York Mets and chair of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, praised the work done by the Ronald McDonald House and said that the Mets are proud to have partnered with them.
“They’re our team and we are just extremely thankful to have the support of the New York Mets organization,” said house Executive Director Robert S. Weitzner.
During the rededication event, Wright spent time in the new Mets Room with the children, signing autographs, taking pictures and handing out gifts to them. He said that, in spending time with the children, he has learned to be grateful for not only his health but for that of his family.
“I think after seeing these kids and seeing the attitude they have, it makes a three or four strike out night much less worse,” Wright said.
Jasmin Reyes said meeting Wright is something that her two sons, Jeremiah and Eric, will always remember through the photographs taken and memorabilia they were given.
“Everything was great. He’s a really good man,” said Reyes, adding that the special visit came out nicely. “He does [well] with children and gave everybody attention. It was very nice of him.”