Inflatable Arch Helps the Red Shoe Shuffle Support Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House 5K Racers Start & Finish with an Inflatable Archway

The House That Love Built™ took up residence in Baltimore, MD, 30 years ago. As families pass in and out of its doorway, you'll see faces full of tears and smiles. The tears can sometimes be bittersweet.

Many, however, are shed as a show of sheer gratitude for the enormous help the Ronald McDonald House provides to children who are undergoing treatment at local hospitals.

The Baltimore House hosted a new 5K run/walk called the Red Shoe Shuffle. "We wanted to create a standard of quality and excellence in our first year so that our event could become an annual tradition in Baltimore. We felt we needed to combine the heart of our mission with professionalism of a top-notch event. We also needed to provide visibility to our many sponsors," recalls Executive Director Sandy Pagnotti.

Entrants started the race in front of the House, running under an inflatable archway designed in Ronald's favorite shades of bright yellow and red. As they made their way through downtown Baltimore, the course looped around both stadiums and brought racers back through the inflatable arch.

Side one of the arch was designed as a starting line. Side two held a banner congratulating racers for their accomplishments. Both sides were fully customizable to accommodate paid sponsor banners.

No one wants to endure medical treatment for serious illnesses. But it's especially heartbreaking when you're talking about children. Many families will have access to the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, thanks to those who participated in and sponsored the Red Shoe Shuffle.