This year marks my 10th year fundraising and supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas (RMHC).  Ten years ago, myself and my worker at the time, Shelby were new to the sales world and we were seeking out different networking organizations we could join to help build our contacts.  We attended numerous networking events, from socials, lunch and learns, to happy hours.  While all provided contacts, you didn’t really feel connected.  Shelby came across a new organization called the Red Shoe Society (RSS) which were a young professional organization that raised awareness and support for the RMHC.  We attended one of their happy hours and were greeted by Dixie Dulin, who was the most energetic person I have ever met.  Her spirit and passion for their mission was exuded in every inflection and in every description of their mission.  We didn’t have a chance to mull over a decision, Dixie didn’t take no for an answer and not only had she signed us up to be members of RSS, but pulled us into her social committee. 

For the next ten years, I would assist in the planning of their signature gala, their quarterly happy hours, house tours, and many many volunteer hours all in support of the RMHC.  And along the way, I gained more than contacts, I gained friendships.  The great thing about being a part of an organization like the RSS, is that we all have a shared goal.  It’s in the pursuit of this goal that we develop rapport, by supporting each other in our efforts and celebrating our achievements.   I look back over the last ten years with such fondness and pride.  From how we grew the signature event from less than 100 attendees to 400.  How we grew our membership from 30 to 100.  How we as young professionals, helped in the House’s efforts to expand their footprint from 12 rooms to 24. 

While Dixie did an amazing job when she pitched the RSS ten years ago, I was sold before I walked in the door.  Like many volunteers of the Ronald McDonald House, we have been touched or affected by illness and injury, whether ourselves, family or friends.  And when those affected are the most vulnerable, we can feel helpless.  My first experience with illness was as a young child.  My cousin Jamie was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He was four years younger than me and he was my very first cousin.  Up until that point, my sister and I had been the only grandchildren.  All of my family lived in England, with myself, sister, mom and dad here in the states.  We visited England every other year, with my family visiting us in the alternate years.  I remember meeting Jamie as a baby.  I remember him visiting us when my mother remarried. I remember seeing him after he was diagnosed.  I remember him wearing a hat.  I remember my mother collapsing in the yard when we learned he had passed away.  Amongst those memories was a boy who loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as much as I did.  Who was so sweet and funny.  Who always wanted to play and who was my first friend.  When I joined the RSS, it was more than making connections, but a way for me to honor Jamie.  I wear my stripes for Jamie. 

Your help in supporting the “Wear Your Stripes” #forRMHC campaign would help so many families whose lives have been affected in ways we can all empathize with. 

ABOUT RMHC of the Carolinas

The RMHC of the Carolinas opened it’s doors on April 1st, 1989 with a mission to keep families with critically ill or injured children close to each other and to the care and resources they need in our community.

As recently as June 21st, 2018 the RMHC of the Carolinas opened the doors to a 17,500 square foot expansion, adding 12 guest rooms, family gathering areas, a new guest reception and a state of the art community kitchen.  The expansion met a need for more families to stay as pediatric care in the Upstate grew. 

The RMHC of the Carolinas provides a sense of home, meals, and proximity to the hospital.  These services depend on charitable donations and community partnerships, as well as the generosity of volunteers that make it all possible.  In return, families either stay at no cost or are asked to make a donation up to $10 per day.  However, the RMHC Global Policy is that families are never turned away; if it’s not possible to pay, the fee is waived. 

Once again, your support can make a difference.  Please consider donating to the “Wear Your Stripes” #forRMHC campaign in any amount you feel comfortable giving. 

My goal is to raise $500 before July 13th.  Please consider giving.