Red Shoe Gala

Whether you prefer cocktail parties or black-tie banquets, Columbia is home to a wide range of charitable events throughout the year. With so many great causes to support, it can be hard to distinguish which events bring the greatest impact to the Columbia area.

The Red Shoe Gala is the premier fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. It serves to raise funds and bring awareness to the mission of the Ronald McDonald House––an international nonprofit dedicated to providing families the resources and care they need to support their children with injuries or illnesses.

“The impact of this support helps touch so many lives throughout the year by providing the gift of togetherness for families of children needing medical care,” says Executive Director Terri Gray.

Over the course of 16 years, the Red Shoe Gala has become a huge event in the Columbia and the surrounding areas. The gala features both live and silent auctions, a cocktail hour, dinner, and entertainment. Through the years Terri and her team have found that, “Our biggest challenge is finding a venue large enough so we can accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Last year we sold out and had to put people on a waiting list.”

The community has been an integral part of the Gala’s success. In 2013 the committee was forced to cancel the Gala due to a snowstorm. When offered the opportunity for reimbursement, the businesses and individuals who purchased tickets declined as a way of showing support for the Ronald McDonald House.

This year, the Red Shoe Gala will be held on February 21 at The University Club at the Reynolds Alumni Center. The funds that are raised are all kept local, and go to supporting the operations of Columbia’s Ronald McDonald House.