RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES® NEW YORK TRI-STATE AREA
HONORS NEW YORK METS LEGEND RON DARLING WITH
2016 RMHC COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
All-Star pitcher and Emmy Award-winning baseball analyst recognized for his charity work
Iselin, NJ (May 20, 2016) – Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area (RMHC-NYTSA) honored legendary New York Mets pitcher and Emmy Award-winning baseball analyst Ron Darling with the 2016 RMHC Community Leadership Award at an event today at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan. The award recognized the All-Star’s outstanding commitment to charitable causes and his work on behalf of the Diabetes Research Institute and Habitat for Humanity (New York City). Hosted by NBC 4 News reporter Michael George, today’s awards ceremony also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the RMHC/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement) Scholarship Program, which has provided over $1.5 million to local high school students in financial need since 2001.
“It’s truly a privilege and an honor to be recognized for my work with these two incredible organizations,” said Darling, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Diabetes Research Institute and Habitat for Humanity. “As someone who believes in the power of paying it forward, I hope this award will help inspire others –especially young people—to give back to their communities and try to make a difference.”
“Mr. Darling is not only a champion in the world of baseball, but also in the community,” stated Christopher Perry, Executive Director of RMHC-NYSTA. “His dedication to serving others embodies the spirit of this award as well as the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities.”
About Ron Darling
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Darling spent nine seasons as a starting pitcher for the New York Mets and was a key member of their 1986 World Championship and 1988 Division Champion teams. The former All-Star also has the distinction of being the first Mets pitcher to be awarded the Gold Glove Award as well as the franchise’s first player of Asian descent.
Following his retirement from baseball, Darling embarked on a successful broadcasting career that has earned him two Emmy Awards for best “Sports Analyst”. As SNY’s Mets game and studio analyst, he works more than 100 Mets telecasts each year. Also an accomplished author, he recently published the acclaimed memoir Game 7, 1986: Failure and Triumph in the Biggest Game of My Life.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area is working to better the lives of children and their families in our communities by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children in the areas of health, education, the arts, and civic and social services. Since 1992, RMHC-NYTSA has provided more than $10 million to local non-profit organizations. For further information on the Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area, visit www.rmhcnytristate.org, follow us at @RMHCNYTriState or call 732.623.8549.
