Leading with Heart: Courtney Cromer and the Red Shoe Society
The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) mission wouldn’t be fulfilled without the help of our volunteers and philanthropic efforts. One of our most valued assets in both of these pursuits is the Red Shoe Society (RSS), a passionate group of young professionals who help raise crucial funds, build awareness and support our mission every step of the way.
At the heart of RSS is current president Courtney Cromer. Courtney’s leadership and drive plays a significant role in making the magic of our House come to life.
Courtney first connected with the Red Shoe Society at our annual Plane Pull event two years ago, a tradition her father-in-law attended each year. Surrounded by the excitement of the event and inspired by the community of young professionals coming together for a greater cause, Courtney felt drawn to the organization. After expressing interest to a board member, she quickly found herself immersed in a team committed to making a difference.
Courtney’s journey began in Development, working with community sponsors and helping to strengthen the organization’s impact. Just a year and a half later, she stepped into the role of President. But as Courtney notes, just as in any leadership role, having a title does not automatically make you a leader.
Real leadership, she explains, comes from working alongside fellow members, cultivating relationships, building respect for one another and sharing common purpose. To Courtney, it doesn’t feel that she is in charge of the team as much as she is a part of the team. Working alongside fellow members, Courtney has built a sense of family within the Red Shoe Society rooted in respect, compassion and a desire to give back.
“It’s so much more than just building support for the House, you become a family,” Courtney continues. “It’s fostering relationships while finding ways to give back.”
Growing up, Courtney remembers seeing people drop change into the donation boxes at McDonald’s drive-thrus, never fully understanding the purpose or impact of that small gesture. Now, Courtney understands what her younger self didn’t, she sees the full impact of those donations every day.
She recalls one particularly meaningful moment that enhanced her passion and commitment to the mission of RMHC. One Christmas, some of the children staying at the House weren’t able to go home for the holidays, so Courtney and her fellow members of the RSS organized a way to bring the comfort of Christmas at home to the kids, complete with gifts and the warmth of community.
It was in that moment she truly saw the mission of RMHC in action.
Today, as President, Courtney is looking to expand the reach of the group to better serve RMHC’s mission. She is striving to return the group to its pre-pandemic strength – expanding membership, partnering with local businesses and engaging with the broader Greenville community in meaningful ways.
For many young professionals, the years after college can feel like a time of transition, often without the built-in community that school once provided. The Red Shoe Society offers not only a meaningful way to serve families in crisis, but also a supportive network of peers with shared values and purpose. For Courtney, that’s been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Partnering with passionate individuals for a common goal, while other parts of life may seem uneasy at this time of change, helps to create comfort for members of RSS and guests of RMHC alike.
The Red Shoe Society gives back to the House in many ways both within the House and in the community. Around the House, members volunteer through Guest Chef and Cookies From the Heart as well as engage with our donors. Additionally, RSS partners with the House to put on big events like Lights of Love, Hearts and Hands Gala and Wear Your Stripes. Externally, the Red Shoe Society hosts the annual Plane Pull and “Chuck-A-Puck” at the Swamp Rabbits Game in addition to implementing Give Back nights across the community.
All of this helps to support RHMC’s mission by raising funds for House operations that supports families who need housing, meals and support during a child’s hospital stay.
But there’s more work to be done, and now is the perfect time to get involved.
The Red Shoe Society is actively looking for new members who are passionate, community-minded and eager to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, lead or support behind the scenes, there’s a place for you on this team. Stay tuned for applications opening in January 2026!
Written by Kylie Tutterow
