Nonprofit’s first hybrid event a roaring success
(Photo courtesy: Lona Saccomando Photography)
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC), a nonprofit that works to keep families together and near local hospitals while their critically ill child receives treatment, today announced initial donation totals for their 11th annual Red Shoe 5K Run and Walk fundraiser. This year’s event was hybrid, allowing runners/walkers to register for either in-person (held on October 3 at Bull Run Special Events Center in Centreville, Va.) or virtual participation.
To date, more than 500 participants have raised over $87,500 and it’s not too late to give! Show your support for families facing childhood illness by making a donation at RedShoe5K.org through Oct. 14. Anyone who fundraises $100 or more will receive RMHC striped socks to “Show Your Stripes” and proud support of RMHCDC. All proceeds will stay right here in the D.C. and Northern Virginia areas to help ease the hardship of children’s illnesses on families through programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.
“Children’s illness unfortunately doesn’t go on pause even though there’s another healthcare crisis brewing. So, we had to figure out how to continue our mission in the middle of a global pandemic. The Red Shoe 5k Run & Walk is our signature event and we rely on the funds raised to serve the families who rely on our programs. We are so grateful to everyone involved for joining us in ‘Raising Our Feet To Raise Hope For Families!’ Your support truly makes an impact on families in need.” said Karen Torres, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC.
Starting out as a walk hosted by an alumni family, the Red Shoe 5k has grown throughout the years to meet the needs of the Greater Washington, DC community. This year was no exception. To accommodate all those looking to support, RMHCDC offered both virtual and in-person participation. With safety in mind, RMHCDC encouraged only vaccinated community members to attend the in-person event, had participants race in small wave groups; set up individual lanes for each child running in the Kid’s Fun Run; and put additional social distancing, sanitization, and contact-free measures in place.
RMHCDC gratefully acknowledges the generosity and support of the sponsors who make this event possible!
Miracle Sponsor: McDonald’s Family Restaurants – Susdewitt Management, LLC; Courage Sponsors: Ragnarok Technologies, TD Bank, Morris Manning & Martin LLP; and Faith Sponsors: FVC Bank, and Mindpetal Software Solutions.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC):
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC, a non-profit, 501 (C) (3), eases the hardship of children’s illness on families through programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. Through its core programs: two Ronald McDonald House® programs, two Ronald McDonald A La Carte® programs in local hospitals, and two Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® programs; RMHCDC keeps families with sick children together and close to the medical care their child needs at leading local hospitals. RMHCDC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhcdc.org.
