FAO Schwarz: Spreading Joy Through Generosity

A group of children standing with a person dressed as a toy soldier in front of FAO Schwarz in New York City.

Bringing joy, warmth, and heart to MSK Kids

For any kid in New York City, the experience of shopping at FAO Schwarz is unmatched. With its interactive displays and walls full of toys and treats, the beloved toy seller has been nurturing hearts and imaginations for more than 150 years, bringing joy and excitement to countless children and their families.

At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), we are fortunate to have an ongoing partnership with FAO Schwarz and are so grateful for the legendary toy store’s extraordinary commitment to MSK Kids, the pediatric program at MSK.

Dr. Andrew Kung, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Lila Acheson Wallace Chair in Pediatric Research at MSK, speaks to NYC for MSK attendees at FAO Schwarz. — Dr. Andrew Kung, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics MSK, shares his gratitude for FAO Schwarz.

In 2024, MSK launched NYC for MSK, an annual citywide fundraising initiative that unites New York City’s most iconic brands to celebrate MSK’s anniversary and support our mission of ending cancer for life.

Since joining NYC for MSK, FAO Schwarz has gone above and beyond to inspire hope and generosity, inviting customers to round up at the register throughout the month of May to benefit lifesaving research and care at MSK Kids. In 2025, they doubled down on their generosity by donating 20% of revenue from all FAO product sales on May 30 and 31.

FAO Schwarz is honored to support the wonderful work that Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MSK Kids does. For over 160 years, FAO Schwarz has celebrated children, and we are so inspired by the support and research that MSK continues to do for children and their families when they need it most.

–David Niggli, FAO Schwarz Chief Merchandising Officer

A member of the Harlem Globetrotters showing a young attendee of the NYC for MSK kickoff breakfast at FAO Schwarz how to spin a basketball on her fingertip. — The NYC for MSK kickoff breakfast at FAO Schwarz featured the Harlem Globetrotters.

FAO Schwarz’s kindness didn’t stop there: The brand also hosted an NYC for MSK campaign kickoff breakfast at its Rockefeller Center store, inviting MSK Kids pediatric patients and their families, along with MSK Kids staff, for a special breakfast before the store opened. The morning included an exclusive Toy Soldier tour and candy raid, as well as performances from the FAO Piano Dancers and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Joyful, high-impact moments like this aren’t just about dollars raised. They create incredible memories for children in treatment and reinforce a powerful message: that children are seen, celebrated, and supported by their community.

We are deeply grateful for FAO Schwarz’s creativity, leadership, and continued commitment to MSK Kids and look forward to continuing our partnership to bring even more special, joyful moments for children and families at MSK — and beyond.

I can speak personally, having a son who was the recipient of the wonderful care given to him as a patient at MSK. The doctors, nurses, and all the staff turned a very difficult time for my family into one where we found the comfort, support, and care for my son to be amazing. Thank you, MSK.

–David Niggli, FAO Schwarz Chief Merchandising Officer

Help fuel a future of new firsts

Every day, MSK brings courage and creativity to answering cancer’s biggest questions, and we have set an ambitious goal to create more hope, possibility, and cures for every person with cancer.