Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida (RMHCNCF) hosted its 14th Annual Red Shoe Affair on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, raising a record-breaking $590,000 to support families with seriously ill or injured children receiving care in North Central Florida.
Presented by Audi of Gainesville and produced by Merge Event Group, the gala welcomed more than 830 guests and 102 sponsors for the organization’s most successful fundraising event to date, according to an RMHCNCF release.
Guests enjoyed food and beverages from Embers, while Jon and Ginny Sumrall hosted the VIP Experience.
Former Florida Gators running back James Bates, known as “Batsey,” served as emcee for the evening. The program featured five “Stories Behind the Doors of Our House,” giving guests an intimate look at the families served by RMHCNCF.
One of the stories featured was Nohea, whose courage and bright spirit while battling cancer moved guests and illustrated the mission of the Ronald McDonald House. Guests also welcomed Ezra and his family, who first shared their story at last year’s Red Shoe Affair. Just weeks before that event, Ezra had received a heart transplant. His family’s return to share his ongoing journey of resilience was one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
The event also marked the launch of the Chicken Nugget Champion initiative, a new giving program supporting RMHCNCF’s commitment to provide a warm dinner at the House every night throughout 2026.
That commitment has been met to date, with a warm dinner served every night of the year.
The organization also welcomed nine new Adopt-a-Room partners. Over the next year, those partners will directly support families staying in their adopted rooms by celebrating birthdays and milestones, offering encouragement during difficult times and helping meet families’ needs.
“Every year, Red Shoe Affair reminds us why this work matters,” said Stevie Doyle, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, in the release. “Hearing Nohea’s courage, seeing Ezra thriving after his transplant, and watching our community show up in record numbers is proof that when we come together, we can keep every family close to the care their child needs.”
“This record-breaking night, and the generosity of partners like Audi of Gainesville, Merge Event Group, Embers, Jon and Ginny Sumrall, James Bates, and so many others will mean warm meals, comfortable rooms, and a home away from home for families for years to come,” Doyle said.
The record proceeds will help RMHCNCF continue providing families with a place to stay, meals, comfort and support while their children receive medical care in North Central Florida.
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida can contact John Thomas, chief philanthropy officer, at jt@rmhcncf.org.