Maker of Misfit Island raises over $16,000 for Suffolk’s first Ronald McDonald House

When Andrew Reid began building the Misfit Island Spectacular, a remarkable holiday display at his East Northport home, he had his eye on one prize: to raise as much money as possible for the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County, at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. 

Ronald McDonald Houses provide a comfortable place for families of children who are receiving medical care to rest and recharge, often during incredibly challenging times. The three-story, 60,000-square foot building planned for Stony Brook will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, a community kitchen providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities. Construction is set to begin later this year with completion of the house scheduled for late 2026/early 2027.

Yesterday, representatives from the Ronald McDonald Foundation received a boost from Reid’s $16,000 donation, a fundraising total that far exceeded Reid’s expectations. News of the holiday display – which included over 90,000 lights and was built almost entirely from found and refurbished decorations – went viral last month, with coverage ranging from local news publications to cable news networks and even People.com (the online version of People Magazine). Visitors to the display were encouraged to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House in person or online – and donate they did. 

Reid’s initial fundraising goal of $5,500 in donations was quickly surpassed. By the time Christmas arrived, he had raised over $10,000. 

According to Andrew’s mom Christine, visitors from as far as Riverhead and the Rockaways, as well as Brooklyn, Manhattan, upstate New York, California and even Australia came to see Misfit Island. For the entirety of December, Reid and other family members would often be stationed on the driveway during display hours, greeting visitors, answering questions and just enjoying the holiday spirit.

Reid’s final donation total was revealed yesterday afternoon when he presented a check for $16,023 to Matthew Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) New York Metro. Campo was grateful to be at the Oxbow Court home to “celebrate this extraordinary family, and just to say thank you,” he told the Journal. “Not only have they raised money for us, but they have also created such tremendous awareness for us with this story going viral.”

Also there for the presentation were Reid’s mom and his sister Allison, Niki and Nick Croce, co-chairs of the Stony Brook Advisory Council for Ronald McDonald House and Liana Lee, capital campaign manager.

In a note to the community posted on the Misfit Island Instagram page, Reid thanked all those who visited and/or donated to the cause, and confirmed that he will be putting the display up again next year. An extra special thank you was given to his mother and siblings, “for the constant love, endless help and tremendous amount of support in making my dream become a reality,” Reid wrote. And to those who shared kind words and their experiences with a Ronald McDonald House, Reid said, “your stories of how the Ronald McDonald Foundation has helped you or someone you know reminds me of how I can make a difference.” 

To donate to the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County, click here.