Red Shoe Day

Putting Your Best Foot Forward For San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House

For 12 years, supporters of San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House have put their best foot forward for Red Shoe Day, one of San Diego’s largest volunteer-driven fundraisers. This beloved event takes place this year, virtually on June 3, 2021. Supporters can take part in celebrating several Red Shoe Day ambassadors, including six-year-old Owen Abrams and his family.

Throughout the challenges of 2020 to today, San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House has been a “home away from home” to families whose children are being treated for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Community support helps families in need to stay close to their hospitalized child, without worrying about where to sleep or find their next meal. Fundraisers like Red Shoe Day make this compassionate care possible.

When Red Shoe Day volunteers could not take their usual positions at local intersections last year, they took up the challenge and created “virtual” intersections where supporters could donate online. These dedicated participants will once again share their enthusiasm, stories, and gratitude in the weeks leading up to the June 3 event and on the big day itself.

This virtual fundraiser also has an in-person component: beginning May 4, you can contribute to Red Shoe Day at any San Diego County McDonald’s restaurant. Simply let your McDonald’s cashier know you would like to add a $1, $2 or $3 contribution to your bill, and it will directly benefit San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House.

Red Shoe Day Helps Little Fighters Like Owen

Darlene and Nick Abrams welcomed their son Owen to the world at just 24 weeks old. Though he weighed just 1 pound and 2 ounces, he was a fighter. Owen’s condition was especially challenging, and his parents had to be available within a moment’s notice should his condition change. Nick and Darlene found support at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House for nearly two years while he grew strong enough to go home.

“Our saving grace was our ‘home away from home’, literally steps away from our little Owen, who was fighting for his life. We ate, slept, worked, wept, had date nights and celebrations. San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House provided us the ability to stay close to Owen when he needed us most. It helped us to stay strong, healthy and nourished,” Darlene shared with GB Magazine.

Owen spent his first two birthdays in the hospital, and each birthday since has been a special milestone. This little fighter has grown into a delightful, thriving six-year-old who loves trucks and being a new big brother. This year, Red Shoe Day celebrates Owen with a special challenge to help more children and families.

Celebrate Owen Challenge: Let’s Raise $6,000 on May 6th

You can celebrate this remarkable six-year-old on May 6th by supporting Red Shoe Day and give in honor of Owen. Every dollar raised in this challenge will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $6,000, by GEICO and the Witte Family Charitable Trust for double the impact.

Visit www.RedShoeDaySD.com to join a team, donate, participate in the Celebrate Owen Challenge, and learn more about San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House.