Get Involved
Show Up for Families
Our events are a chance to gather with friends, coworkers, and neighbors while helping families stay together. Every dollar raised stays right here in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, supporting families whose children are receiving care in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Join us as a participant, bring a team, or support an event as a sponsor.
Our Yearly Events
Consider joining us for any of these events, sponsoring or serving as a volunteer. You can find volunteer information on each event page.
Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K
May • Iowa City
A tradition 42 years strong, the Red Shoe Run & Walk brings families and the community together for a 5K run and walk.
Governor's Charity Steer Show
August • Iowa State Fairgrounds
Each year at the Iowa State Fair, local celebrities team up with Iowa youth to lead their steers around the show ring, raising money for all three Ronald McDonald Houses in Iowa.
Ronald McDonald House Golf Gala
September • Bettendorf
Swing, sip, and support families at Iron Tee Golf in Bettendorf, an evening of golf for every skill level.
Red Shoe Open
October • Riverside
Our signature golf outing brings golfers together for a day of best-shot play at Blue Top Ridge in Riverside.
Local events, local dollars
Ronald McDonald House Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois is an independently run 501(c)(3), so money raised at our own events stays with this chapter rather than going to a national office.
You can help with a sponsorship or by volunteering for an upcoming event. You can also host your own fundraiser to support the families we serve each day.
Sponsor an event in your community
Does your company or family want to get involved in a high-profile way? We have sponsorship opportunities available to get your name out there and support a great cause. Contact development@ronaldmcdonaldhouseic.org for more information.
Note that tiers, benefits and deadlines are set per event, and what is still available changes through the year. Our development team can send you our current sponsorship packet.
How your support adds up
2,100
Families served in 2025 Every one of them received a room, food, or other support at no cost.
11,900
Nights of lodging provided across the region Eleven thousand mornings that started a few minutes from their child’s room.
19,762
Meals served to families in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids A home-cooked meal is served every evening, all year long
Other ways to show up
Volunteer
Sign up for regular shifts in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids.
Prepare a Meal
Cook and serve one evening meal for the families staying with us.
Host a fundraiser
Run your own event and share the proceeds with us.