September Volunteer of the Month – Charlotte Korson
Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight stand-out volunteers and how they support families. For September, meet Charlotte Korson, who has made a big impact on our Red Shoe Society’s leadership team since 2022.
- How long have you volunteered with Ronald McDonald House?
I started volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Michigan in 2020. I then transitioned to supporting RMHC-CNI when I moved to Chicago in 2022, and I have been involved ever since! - Where do you typically volunteer, and what do you usually do?
I am part of the leadership team for Red Shoe Society, a networking group of philanthropic professionals with the shared goals of raising resources, broadening the volunteer base and enhancing awareness of RMHC-CNI throughout Chicagoland. I act as a chair of the Red Shoe Society event committee, and this year I helped execute our inaugural Red Shoe Brew event in August! - Why did you first start volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, and what keeps you coming back?
I am passionate about the community and giving back. In 2020, I was looking for a new volunteer opportunity and happened to have friends who worked at the Ronald McDonald House in West Michigan. They encouraged me to join their fundraising committee, and the rest is history! I was moved by the organization’s mission and am proud every day of the impact I make as a volunteer. - What is your favorite memory or experience from volunteering?
I had the pleasure of introducing a new Red Shoe Society event this year called Red Shoe Brew! This fundraiser brought hundreds of individuals together to enjoy food and drink tastings from local Chicago establishments, enjoy live music, play yard games and more – all while raising funds supporting RMHC-CNI. Together, we raised more than $65,000, which is enough to provide 684 nights for families of pediatric patients! - What does it mean to you to donate your time to our organization?
It brings me so much joy to give my time to this organization, but this organization has also given me so much in return. The staff is nothing short of extraordinary. They are a true support system and a force to be reckoned with! I have also made some of my best friends through my volunteerism. This organization is a community I lean on, and I’m proud to be part of it. - If someone was thinking about becoming a volunteer with our organization, what would you tell them about getting involved?
Do it. There are so many ways to volunteer and give back. Opportunities range from getting involved with Red Shoe Society to making a meal at a Ronald McDonald House, or from building snack packs to making an ongoing commitment as an individual volunteer. Take a look at RMHC-CNI’s website to learn more about how you can get involved – you won’t regret it!
Thank you, Charlotte for your contributions to helping families feel at home!