Lawyers in Red Shoes. It’s a Thing.
If you saw a group of lawyers wearing bright red sneakers and heels at a black-tie event, don’t adjust your glasses. That was the Red Shoe Affair, and yes—lawyers in red shoes is officially a thing.
At Meldon Law, community matters. That’s why we were proud to sponsor this year’s Red Shoe Affair Gala in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida (RMHCNCF). The evening wasn’t just about fashion—it was about families, compassion, and the power of coming together for a cause bigger than any one of us.
Stevie Doyle, CEO at RMHCNCF and Jeffrey Meldon, CEO at Meldon Law
Why Red Shoes?
The “Ree Shoe” in Ree Shoe Affair isn’t a typo—it’s a playful reference (“re-shoeing”—walking in somebody else’s shoes) to the event’s signature theme, where guests show up in their most fabulous red footwear as a symbol of stepping up for families in need. From patent leather pumps to ruby-red sneakers, attendees wear their hearts on their feet.
The Red Shoe theme is also a playful but powerful nod to Ronald McDonald’s iconic footwear. McDonald’s has long been the “first and forever” partner of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and this colorful tradition reminds us why we gather each year: to walk in the shoes of families facing unimaginable challenges.
What began over a decade ago with 200 guests at the Best Western Gateway Grand has now grown into a community-wide celebration. On August 16, 2025, over 800 guests filled the Stephen C. O’Connell Center to raise funds that directly support families with critically ill children staying at UF Health.
A Mission That Moves You
Stevie Doyle, the new CEO of RMHCNCF, shared a powerful story that captures what this organization is all about:
“A woman once told me that when her husband was deployed overseas, she had a serious pregnancy complication and had to rush to Gainesville for care. With three other children and no place to stay, she found herself alone, just days before Christmas. Ronald McDonald House gave her a room—and when the board learned she had no gifts for her kids, they left Christmas presents by her car. That baby boy is now 20, and serving our country. She told me she would never forget the kindness our House gave her when she needed it most.”
Moments like this are why the Ronald McDonald House exists. With 50 guest suites, on-site kitchens, laundry services, and 24/7 staffing, the House supports over 1,400 families each year—free of charge.
Meldon Law Steps In
Our team at Meldon Law doesn’t just show up for court—we show up for the community. This year, our Charity Stripe campaign during Gator basketball season raised $10,000 for the House. We’re proud that our sponsorship of the Red Shoe Affair helps keep the lights on, the rooms clean, and the doors open.
“Support from community partners like Meldon Law makes up over half of our annual budget,” Stevie explained. “But beyond donations, they amplify our mission and inspire others to get involved. We couldn’t do this work without them.”
A Night to Remember
This year’s Red Shoe Affair raised over $450,000. A single moment captured the heart of the evening: as guests were invited to donate in honor of every family who had stayed at the House, a giant red thermometer on screen tracked the goal of $500,000. But the fundraiser is not over! You can still donate now to contribute to the goal of maintaining this “home away from home.”
“The average stay is 98 days,” Stevie shared. “These families become part of our extended family. We honor their strength, and we do everything we can to support them.”
More Than One Night
As Stevie said, “The Red Shoe Affair is about what happens when compassion meets action.” It’s not just a gala—it’s a call to step into someone else’s shoes and help however you can.
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share their mission, you can help keep families together during their hardest days.
Join the Movement
• Donate: Here
• Learn more: RMHCNCF
At Meldon Law, we fight for people. And sometimes, we do it in red shoes.
Lawyers in red shoes? Yep. It’s a thing. And we’re proud of it.
