The 10th anniversary of the Red Shoe Shuffle, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Maryland, was held virtually because of COVID-19.
But Team Northwest, the leading fundraising team over the event’s decade-long existence according to team member Jim Roark, decided to come together in real life last Saturday to do a walk in support of the families of the Ronald McDonald House, which offers a “home away from home” for sick children and their families while receiving treatment, often at no charge.
Hampstead was the chosen location for the walk. Mayor Christopher Nevin was on hand to present Sandy Pagnotti, president and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of Maryland, with a proclamation declaring April 12 as “Team Northwest and Ronald McDonald House of Maryland Day In Hampstead.”
With a police escort courtesy of the Hampstead Police Department, Team Northwest departed from Panther Park and enjoyed a 5-kilometer walk through the town. Hampstead’s own Makenzie Greenwood joined Team Northwest and shared the story of Hampstead’s Little Free Pantry and how the pantry she started as a 9-year-old has had an impact on the community. The day ended with a lunch on the patio at Outlaw BBQ where owners Steve and Leah Rogers presented Team Northwest with a $500 donation.
Overall, Team Northwest, made up largely of Franklin High School graduates from the late-1970s and early 1980s, was able to raise more than $23,000 this year, said Roark, who is Hampstead’s assistant planning administrator.
“We cannot thank everyone enough for their support, including the people of the Town of Hampstead for making the Hampstead 2021 Red Shoe Shuffle a day we will all remember,” Roark said via email.