Reno Ronald McDonald House Now Selling Tables to Fourth Annual Red Shoe Gala

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern Nevada (RMHC® Northern Nevada or the Reno Ronald McDonald House®) is now accepting registrations for its 4th Annual Red Shoe Gala at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015. The event will raise money for the organization’s mission of keeping families together while their child receives treatment at an area hospital, continuing its theme to “Make Someone Happy!”

“We support more than 730 families a year but are hoping to remind the community that each of those families has a touching story; that they’re more than a number,” said Marty Ozer, executive director of the Reno Ronald McDonald House®. “Earlier this year Katelyn Castonguay was in a horrific car wreck and was flown to Renown. Her parents and brother were shell-shocked but came from Winnemucca to be next to Katelyn, staying at the House when they weren’t with her at the hospital. We’re excited to share their story at the Gala as it highlights a critical need we fulfill on a daily basis.”

The red carpet event will offer individuals and businesses an evening of dining and entertainment, featuring students from local vocal coach and performer CeCe Gable and impressionist Scott Record, returning by popular demand after the 2014 Gala. At the conclusion of the evening, the winning ticket for “Discovering the House that Love Built: A Land Rover Raffle Benefiting the Reno Ronald McDonald House® and the Nevada Wolf Pack” will be pulled. One individual will win a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport and ticket proceeds will benefit the Reno Ronald McDonald House® and the University of Nevada’s Pack Educational Fund.

“But the focal point of the night will be the family stories,” said Ozer. “You could practically see the relief in Katelyn’s family when the doctors told them she was out of harm’s way. The Gala is our opportunity to share those moments with the rest of the community and to demonstrate how one night of entertainment turns into positive outcomes for families in our region.”

The Gala begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, photo opportunities and a red shoe contest. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. followed shortly by the program, which includes the induction of a long-time supporter to the charity’s Red Shoe Circle, an elite group of donors and friends to the organization, and the showing of family success stories ultimately made possible by donors.

“If Katelyn’s story helps the Reno Ronald McDonald House®, we’re happy to tell it,” said Debbie Castonguay, mother of Katelyn. “We want to help because you guys were there to help.”

To secure a sponsorship, table of eight or individual seats visit www.rmhc-reno.org or call (775) 322-4663. For additional information or media inquiries, email Rachel Gattuso at rachel@rmhc-reno.org or call (775) 322-4663.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern Nevada
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern Nevada (RMHC® Northern Nevada) creates and supports programs that directly improve the health, education and well-being of children and families. Our programs deliver stability and resources to families so they can help their children heal and keep their children healthy. The Reno Ronald McDonald House® is home-away-from-home for up to 12 families at a time. The children we serve suffer from medical conditions ranging from premature babies in need of extended hospital stays, to children suffering from injuries caused by accidents, and children with serious ailments such as cancer, diabetes or pneumonia. The House is just one of the programs and services provided by RMHC® Northern Nevada including the Travel-for-Treatment Program, The Ronald McDonald Family Room®, The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and the RMHC® U.S. Scholarship Program. For more information, visit www.RMHC-Reno.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHCReno) or like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/RMHCNorthernNevada).