Ronald McDonald House Charities® of South Florida’s philanthropic women’s group, the Red Shoe Society, is celebrating the return of its 2nd Annual Wine & Fries event on Saturday, October 12. The upscale comfort-food experience will unite foodies, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to indulge in McDonald’s French Fries reimagined by Miami culinary icon Chef Eileen Andrade, all paired with premium wines to support the vital mission of keeping families close.
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The “Taste of Spain” themed evening will feature Spanish wines provided by Wine41, chef-crafted fry pairings, Spanish-inspired bites, and live entertainment to raise funds so families at the House can continue to receive lodging, hot meals, and comprehensive supportive services while their children receive care at local hospitals.
Chef Eileen, owner of Amelia’s 1931 and Finka Table & Tap, will elevate the humble fry into a sophisticated gourmet tasting, featuring four custom toppings designed to complement the curated wine selection. This collaboration represents a deep-rooted partnership between the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) champion and the charity. Following her victory at the 2025 SOBEWFF, Chef Eileen chose RMHC South Florida to receive the proceeds, translating her competitive win into a vital $5,000 donation of Goya food products to stock the House pantry.
For Chef Eileen, the partnership was driven by a personal connection. “What initially drew me to RMHC South Florida was hearing firsthand from my best friend about the incredible experience her family had while staying in one of the houses as her son underwent therapy,” said Chef Eileen. When thinking of her approach to elevating the fries, she shared that, “Great fries are already universally loved, so the fun part was finding ways to build layers of flavor without losing the familiarity that makes fries so appealing in the first place. I wanted each sauce to tell a different story and offer guests a unique experience. Wine & Fries should feel playful while still delivering the creativity people expect from a chef-driven event.”
Leading the charge to make the event a major success is the Red Shoe Society, a dynamic community of women committed to making a difference in the lives of families with critically ill children through mentorship, volunteering, and fundraising. Prominent members include renowned philanthropist Ana VeigaMilton, Jenisbel Acevedo of La Colonia Medical Center,
and Coral Gables Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson. Members mentor mothers staying at the House, host Meals from the Heart, and bring comfort and joy to families navigating medical crises.
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“The Wine & Fries event brings our community together in such a creative, joyful way,” said Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director of RMHC South Florida. “We are incredibly grateful to Chef Eileen Andrade for her culinary brilliance and to the passionate women of the Red Shoe Society for their tireless dedication. Together, they are ensuring that the families
staying at our House have the comfort and peace of mind they need to focus solely on their child’s healing.”
“Local businesses are only as strong as the communities that support them,” added Chef Eileen. “We have a responsibility to give back to the people and organizations that make our communities better places to live, work, and raise families. As business owners, we have platforms, resources, and relationships that can help amplify these missions. Supporting organizations like RMHC is an investment in the well-being of our entire community.”
To purchase tickets for the 2nd Annual Wine and Fries event or learn more about available corporate sponsorship packages, please visit rmhcsouthflorida.org/wine-and-fries-2026.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of South Florida
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of South Florida is an independent, nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that cares for families when they have children who are ill or injured. We surround families with the resources, services, and support they need, removing barriers so they can be at the heart of their child’s care and ensure the best possible health outcomes. For more information, visit www.rmhcsouthflorida.org. Follow RMHC South Florida on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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