Red Boot Revelry 2025

In early September, the Gladstone community came together for the third Red Boot Revelry, an event founded by Tony Ward – McDonald’s Licensee and President of the McDonald’s QLD/NT Co-op. The event united local businesses for a day of connection, celebration, and heartfelt support for Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ).

Through a combination of sponsorships, raffles, live auctions, and the Pick Up the Tab initiative, the event raised over $70,000 in support of families with ill or injured children. The money raised equals over 437 nights of accommodation for families staying in one of our Ronald McDonald Houses.

Watch a recap of the event here:

At RMHC SEQ, we are dedicated to caring for all families. Many of the families we support travel from regional and rural areas to access specialist treatment in Brisbane – leaving behind their home, loved ones and their community. In 2024 alone, 23.9% of families staying at RMHC SEQ came from Central Queensland, highlighting the critical need for local business support. No matter where these families come from, RMHC SEQ provides a safe, welcoming place to stay close to their child’s medical treatment, helping ease the emotional and financial burden during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Tony Ward, a proud Gladstone local and long-time supporter of RMHC SEQ, created the Red Boot Revelry as a way to bring people together for a fun and engaging day that blends business networking with community fundraising. His leadership has inspired more than five Rotary groups to join the cause through the Heart of our Home Program, an initiative that invites supporters to fund a room across our Chapter for a full year. Tony’s ability to rally support has created a ripple effect throughout Central Queensland, strengthening the charity’s presence and impact in the region.

This year’s event was organised by a small but passionate committee who shared Tony’s vision. Their dedication ensured the evening was not only successful but deeply meaningful, reflecting the true spirit of community.

The Red Boot Revelry is set to return in 2027, continuing its legacy of generosity and regional pride. Events like these remind us that when communities come together, they can make a real difference—especially for families who need it most.

Feeling inspired and wanting to make a difference too? Fundraise your way and help us support families with ill or injured children.

Meals From The Heart Booking Form

Name(Required)

First Last

Company

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Number of people (Min:6 - Max: 10)(Required)

Please enter a number from 6 to 10.

Tick what interests you(Required)

Each experience can either be paid by credit card or via invoice on confirmation of your booking from the team

Meals from the Heart at South Brisbane House - Tuesday 2pm- 6pm ($1500 plus GST)

Meals from the Heart at Herston House - Wednesday 2pm -6pm ($1500 plus GST)

Baking a Difference - Herston House - Thursday 9am-1pm ($500 plus GST)

Baking a Difference - South Brisbane House - Thursday 9am - 1pm ($500 plus GST)

Do you have a preference of Month you would like to do your corporate volunteering in ? Please provide:

Any other comments?(Required)

Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

We take your privacy seriously. For more information on how we collect and handle your personal information, please see our Privacy Collection Statement - RMHC Australia .