Every year, the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte rallies the community around its mission in a unique and colorful way with the “Sport a Shirt” fundraiser. At The Dunstan Group, we’re proud to have been the creative and production partner behind these shirts for many years, helping turn a simple T-shirt into a powerful symbol of hope and support for families in need.
What Is the “Sport a Shirt” Program?
The “Sport a Shirt” campaign is more than just a T-shirt sale—it’s a movement! We talked with Darrell McGill, Corporate Relations Manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte, who said each year, over 5,000 shirts are sold throughout the Charlotte to support the Ronald McDonald House’s mission.
“Those T-shirts serve as a walking billboard or storytelling for us. Every year we try to make sure that the print on the T-shirt tells a story.”
Each design is carefully crafted to reflect the charity’s programs and milestones. McGill said last year’s shirt celebrated 50 years of Ronald McDonald House Charities, while this year’s features icons representing the organization’s diverse programs, ensuring every shirt is a conversation starter and a centerpiece for one of their biggest community fundraisers.
Celebrating with the Charlotte Knights
A highlight of the campaign is the annual partnership with the Charlotte Knights. Supporters can purchase a bundle—this year, a T-shirt and a game ticket for $35—and join in a family-friendly Friday night at the ballpark, complete with fireworks and a special on-field countdown featuring families and major donors. “It’s a family fun day,” says McGill. “Every year our families and supporters tell us they look forward to attending that event.”
This Year’s Shirt: Another Crowd Favorite
This year, the “Sport a Shirt” campaign introduced its first-ever white T-shirt, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Our supporters definitely loved the softness of the T-shirt. It was really something different. We haven’t had this nice of a quality shirt before,” McGill said. The vibrant colors and icons stood out on the crisp white fabric, and the comfort and style of the shirt helped drive even more sales. “It really helped us sell more as this campaign is continuing going, because not only do we highlight it in this current time, but we kind of emphasize it’s a year-long campaign.”
The “Sport a Shirt” program is a major fundraiser, bringing in roughly $200,000 each year, McGill told us. These funds directly support three core programs, including the Ronald McDonald House itself, the family room at Novant Health Hemby’s Hospital, and the Happy Wheels Cart program, which delivers comfort items to families at Atrium Health, Novant Health, and Judge Gordon General Hospital.
How to Get Your Shirt
Like McGill said, the campaign runs year-round, so it’s never too late to show your support! Shirts can be purchased by contacting Darrell McGill directly via email ([email protected]), by phone at (704) 288-5319, or by stopping by the Ronald McDonald House at 1613 East Morehead Street between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
Looking Ahead: Growing the Movement
With plans already underway for next year’s design, the Ronald McDonald House team is eager to build even more excitement and awareness. As McGill notes, “We’re trying to figure out a different way to be early and get the sales in,” with hopes of even earlier promotions and new ways to engage the community.”
At The Dunstan Group, we’re honored to help bring this kind of vision to life, one shirt at a time. When you “Sport a Shirt,” you’re not just wearing a T-shirt—you’re supporting families, spreading hope, and being a part of Charlotte’s giving spirit —one shirt, one family, one community at a time.
