The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake stepped up in a big way for San Diego Red Shoe Day, raising $2,125 to support families with hospitalized children and surpassing its fundraising goal by 6%.
On May 20, a team of 10 volunteers—including seven members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake—spent the day collecting donations at the busy intersection of Bonita Road and Otay Lakes Road. Thanks to the generosity of residents and motorists, the team exceeded its $2,000 fundraising goal and finished 11th overall among participating San Diego organizations. Special thanks to our club's team captain, Craig Smith, whose “keep charging” emails kept us on task.
Red Shoe Day is the signature community fundraising event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. The annual event helps provide housing, meals, and support services for families who need to stay close to a child receiving medical treatment. San Diego organizers noted that the event raised more than $170,000 for San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House, and donations were still coming in. The support helps provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing for families with children receiving hospital care.
"Every moment together matters to a child in the hospital and to the parents caring for them," said Rotary volunteers. "By participating in Red Shoe Day, we help ease some of life's burdens for families facing medical crises."
Throughout the May 20 event, volunteers donned red shoes and collected donations from passing motorists, who responded with generosity and encouragement via a friendly wave or honk. The funds raised will help Ronald McDonald House continue its mission of providing comfort, care, and a home away from home for families during some of their most difficult moments.
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this year's effort and to the dedicated volunteers who represented the club with enthusiasm and heart.
After exceeding its goal and making a meaningful impact for local families, the club is already looking forward to supporting Red Shoe Day again in 2027.