Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire announced Ameris Bank will be the “Platinum Pump” sponsor of its popular Wine, Women & Shoes event, a fundraiser that pairs wine and shoe shopping fundraiser to help raise money in the fight for critically ill children and their families in Savannah. 

“As the signature sponsor of Wine, Women & Shoes, Ameris Bank is so very pleased to support the good work of the Ronald McDonald House,” said Greater Savannah Market President Austen Carroll. “We see ourselves as more than just a business; we’re a community partner. This worthy charity directly assists coastal Georgia families with critically ill or injured children.”

Originally the brainchild of Napa Valley vintner Elaine Honig, Wine, Women & Shoes events are now in 50 cities across the country and have raised more than $22 million for women and children's causes. In Savannah last year, the Ronald McDonald House provided 4,000 family night stays with just 13 bedrooms. As a result, families can have 24-hour access to their children who are in the hospital and have a home away from home. 

The Wine, Women & Shoes event will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Charles Morris Center at 10 E. Broad Street in Savannah and will feature food from more than 20 participating restaurants, wine from 10 vineyards, a fashion show and boutique shopping. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $150 for VIP admission. Ticket sales -- 100 percent -- help ensure care for critically ill children and their families.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to gather together with so many professional women from this area while raising money for such a worthy cause,” said Pam Parker, senior vice president of Ameris Bank’s commercial division. 

For more information about the event, call (912) 350-7641 or visit www.winewomenandshoes/savannah. To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, please visit www.rmhccoastalempire.org.