When Amber Mckinney was approached by a colleague about being part of Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K, she jumped at the chance to help children and their families facing medical crises.
“I had my son at 14 and I lost my mom when I was 20. I know what it’s like to be in that brain fog,” she said of the overwhelming amount of decisions and emotions families face. “To have people in place to think about things for you is amazing, like, where are you going to sleep? What are you going to eat?”
Fellow realtor and RMHC alumni parent, Charlene Bailey, recommended the run because Amber and a group of realtors within her brokerage has been searching for a way to deepen her impact in the community. Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K is a fun way to learn about our mission and even meet some of the alumni families who attend each year.
“It is already nice to do fundraisers like this but when it hits home for someone you love, that’s when it’s real,” Amber says.
When Amber told her sister and her friend Kerturah about Red Shoe Run, Kerturah revealed a deep connection to RMHC.
“Kerturah, her story, is my why. I had no clue the full picture of what RMHC does until I talked with her,” Amber says. “Kerturah lost her daughter when she was 15-years-old. They stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in Georgia and she could not say enough good things about it. They had a bed for her and her own mom and she said they didn’t have to worry about anything during a traumatic time.”
Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K is a major fundraiser for RMHCA’s mission. This year, the goal is to raise $20,000 to provide 160 nights, free of charge, to the children and guest families in our care. Our services include the Ronald McDonald House, just one block from the hospital, as well as the Ronald McDonald Family Room located within the UAB Women & Infants Center.
“To meet your fundraising goal, just share what you’re doing with everyone you know. Share it on Facebook, tell people in person” Amber says. “It can be scary to put yourself out there but people want to support things that you believe in.”
“I just hope my participation will encourage and inspire other people to be a part of this mission,” Amber says. “RMHCA needs us to be a part and fundraise so families have a place to be when their child is in the hospital.”
RMHCA is grateful to Amber and all of our Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K participants!
If you would like to join in and fundraise for our great mission, sign up at redshoerun-bham.org.
You can choose the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run or the Snoozer option for those who would like to participate without running/walking. Every registered participant will receive a t-shirt. After the 5K and 1 Mile, stick around for the Awards Ceremony! The top 5K finishers, top fundraisers, best costume, biggest team and most spirited team will all receive special awards!
