Shoe store collecting ‘gently worn’ footwear’
HAMLIN - Twinkle Toes Children’s Shoes & Accessories of Hamlin has teamed up with Soles4Souls to collect “gently worn” footwear for distribution to people in poverty. Jennifer Buckman, owner/operator of Twinkle Toes Children’s Shoes & Accessories said individuals willing to donate their children’s footwear may do so by bringing the footwear to her store located in the Village Shopping Center, Rt. 590, Hamlin (Behind McDonalds). The shoes must be clean and able to be worn. Customers who bring in a used pair of shoes to donate will receive a 10% discount toward the purchase of a new pair of shoes.
Buckman pointed out that a simple footwear donation can go along way in areas of the world that are lacking the most basic items. “Most families have closets that contain shoes that haven’t been worn in years while many of the poorest and needy go without any shoes”, she said. “I’ve spent 17 years in the military and have traveled around the world. I’ve seen first hand the poor children in Honduras without shoes. I know the impact that this will have. Children’s families are too poor to buy shoes. Without a pair of shoes children cannot go to school. The simple donation of a pair of shoes for a child could give a boy or girl a chance for an education that could change their lives.”
Twinkle Toes will be collecting shoes until Sunday Dec. 24. For more information, call 570-689-0606.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Celebrity Sightings at the Piperlime Party
In a photo provided by Piperlime, host and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoeand Lucy Liu, right, pose at an exclusive party held to celebrate Gap's
launch of Piperlime, an online shoe shop, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006 in
New York. Zoe joined celebrities in donating their gently worn shoes to
benefit Soles4Souls, a not-for-profit dedicated to collecting and
distributing gently used footwear to people worldwide.
Celebrity Shoe Signings Are Growing!
STARS AUCTION SHOES FOR AFRICA
[from World Entertainment News Network]
Musicians including David Bowie, RINGO STARR, COLDPLAY and LILY ALLEN are auctioning their shoes for charity. The stars are selling their footwear to raise money for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) - an organisation that helps support mine-damaged Africa. Charity director LOU McGRATH says, "The support from celebrities for the shoe auction has been fantastic and resulted in an impressive collection of footwear."
The money raised will play a vital role in clearing the remnants of conflict, preventing injuries and deaths and regenerating communities." The money is especially needed for our work in Lebanon, where the UN estimates there are around 100,000 unexploded bombs at 359 separate sites." Bidding on website MagClearsMines.org continues until December 8.
[from World Entertainment News Network]
Musicians including David Bowie, RINGO STARR, COLDPLAY and LILY ALLEN are auctioning their shoes for charity. The stars are selling their footwear to raise money for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) - an organisation that helps support mine-damaged Africa. Charity director LOU McGRATH says, "The support from celebrities for the shoe auction has been fantastic and resulted in an impressive collection of footwear."
The money raised will play a vital role in clearing the remnants of conflict, preventing injuries and deaths and regenerating communities." The money is especially needed for our work in Lebanon, where the UN estimates there are around 100,000 unexploded bombs at 359 separate sites." Bidding on website MagClearsMines.org continues until December 8.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Soles4Souls Inc. to Spend Thanksgiving in the Slums of Honduras
NASHVILLE, TN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 07, 2006 --
During Thanksgiving, when most Americans will be stuffing their bodies to the breaking point, Soles4Souls' staff and volunteers will forgo the turkey and mashed potatoes to hand out shoes in Honduras. The team from Soles4Souls, Inc. will spread a message of hope to some of the poorest people in Central America with the simple gift of shoes.
"Our team is ready to go," said Paul Wilson, President of Soles4Souls, Inc. "We have set aside 12,500 pairs of footwear that will be greatly appreciated," he said.
During this trip -- the first of annual visits -- Soles4Souls will transport the donated footwear to areas like the infamous garbage dump outside Tegucigalpa, where an estimated 1,300 people live in refuse and unsanitary conditions, rummaging through the trash in order to find food, clothing, and household items.
"They are terribly susceptible to disease and injury," Wilson said. "By giving a pair of new shoes to a child, we may help prevent an infection that could otherwise cause permanent injury or even amputation," he said.
Soles4Souls will partner with other organizations to distribute food, clothing, and footwear, and meet with village elders to create a plan for consistent support. Several high-ranking members of the Honduran government will also be on hand to meet the team and offer their partnership and advice.
"This isn't a one-time donation," Wilson said. "We have made a commitment to this area, and will continue to support them. Next year we will be taking several American footwear executives so they can see for themselves how their donations are helping these people," he said.
Soles4Souls will be working with several non-profit organizations that operate in Central America, and Honduran churches will also take a central role in the trip, helping to guide the American team to areas that need the most assistance.
"To us, it's only a pair of shoes. But to them, it's a remarkable gift they could never afford," Wilson said. "It's a sobering reminder of why we Americans ought to be thankful."
About Soles4Soles
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit http://www.soles4souls.org/ or call (888) 840-7074.
During Thanksgiving, when most Americans will be stuffing their bodies to the breaking point, Soles4Souls' staff and volunteers will forgo the turkey and mashed potatoes to hand out shoes in Honduras. The team from Soles4Souls, Inc. will spread a message of hope to some of the poorest people in Central America with the simple gift of shoes.
"Our team is ready to go," said Paul Wilson, President of Soles4Souls, Inc. "We have set aside 12,500 pairs of footwear that will be greatly appreciated," he said.
During this trip -- the first of annual visits -- Soles4Souls will transport the donated footwear to areas like the infamous garbage dump outside Tegucigalpa, where an estimated 1,300 people live in refuse and unsanitary conditions, rummaging through the trash in order to find food, clothing, and household items.
"They are terribly susceptible to disease and injury," Wilson said. "By giving a pair of new shoes to a child, we may help prevent an infection that could otherwise cause permanent injury or even amputation," he said.
Soles4Souls will partner with other organizations to distribute food, clothing, and footwear, and meet with village elders to create a plan for consistent support. Several high-ranking members of the Honduran government will also be on hand to meet the team and offer their partnership and advice.
"This isn't a one-time donation," Wilson said. "We have made a commitment to this area, and will continue to support them. Next year we will be taking several American footwear executives so they can see for themselves how their donations are helping these people," he said.
Soles4Souls will be working with several non-profit organizations that operate in Central America, and Honduran churches will also take a central role in the trip, helping to guide the American team to areas that need the most assistance.
"To us, it's only a pair of shoes. But to them, it's a remarkable gift they could never afford," Wilson said. "It's a sobering reminder of why we Americans ought to be thankful."
About Soles4Soles
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit http://www.soles4souls.org/ or call (888) 840-7074.
Kiss for a Cause With So...? Fragrances and Soles4Souls Inc.
LOS ANGELES, CA and NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 08, 2006 --
On Saturday, November 11, So...? Fragrances will host an event with two stars of The N's hit teen series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" in support of Soles4Souls Inc., the new charity dedicated to providing free footwear to needy people around the world. The star-studded event will be called "Kiss for a Cause," and will be held at the Brea Mall in Los Angeles from noon until 6p.m. (PT).
Attendees to the event who bring a pair of new or 'gently worn' shoes will receive one full size So...? fragrance bottle. "Degrassi" stars Melissa McIntyre (Ashley Kerwin) and Cassie Steele (Manny Santos) will be supporting the charity and signing autographs.
The event has been heavily advertised locally in the Los Angeles area, and organizers are expecting standing room only within the mall's Center Court, where the event will be held. Footwear collected during Saturday's event will be donated to the Buena Park area of Los Angeles, as well as to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Mississippi.
"This is a wonderful way for us to reach out to hundreds of young people with our message of hope," said Angela Foglesong, Marketing Director of Soles4Souls. "People from around the L.A. area will be able to help change the world one pair at a time," she said. "At the same time, they will be able to sample exciting new fragrances from So...?"
Attendees can also donate a "kiss" print during the event. With each print, So...? Fragrance will donate $1 to Soles4Souls (up to $10,000) to assist their efforts in reaching out to hurting people. The event will feature So...? Fragrances, cool prizes, and giveaways.
About So...? Fragrances
So...? Fragrances has scents to capture your every mood. From feminine, to flirty, to fierce... be who you want, when you want! You are bound to find your perfect scent with So...? Fragrances. For more information, visit http://www.sofragrance.com/ or call 1-800-326-7337.
About Soles4Soles, Inc.
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit http://www.soles4souls.org/ or call (888) 840-7074.
On Saturday, November 11, So...? Fragrances will host an event with two stars of The N's hit teen series "Degrassi: The Next Generation" in support of Soles4Souls Inc., the new charity dedicated to providing free footwear to needy people around the world. The star-studded event will be called "Kiss for a Cause," and will be held at the Brea Mall in Los Angeles from noon until 6p.m. (PT).
Attendees to the event who bring a pair of new or 'gently worn' shoes will receive one full size So...? fragrance bottle. "Degrassi" stars Melissa McIntyre (Ashley Kerwin) and Cassie Steele (Manny Santos) will be supporting the charity and signing autographs.
The event has been heavily advertised locally in the Los Angeles area, and organizers are expecting standing room only within the mall's Center Court, where the event will be held. Footwear collected during Saturday's event will be donated to the Buena Park area of Los Angeles, as well as to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Mississippi.
"This is a wonderful way for us to reach out to hundreds of young people with our message of hope," said Angela Foglesong, Marketing Director of Soles4Souls. "People from around the L.A. area will be able to help change the world one pair at a time," she said. "At the same time, they will be able to sample exciting new fragrances from So...?"
Attendees can also donate a "kiss" print during the event. With each print, So...? Fragrance will donate $1 to Soles4Souls (up to $10,000) to assist their efforts in reaching out to hurting people. The event will feature So...? Fragrances, cool prizes, and giveaways.
About So...? Fragrances
So...? Fragrances has scents to capture your every mood. From feminine, to flirty, to fierce... be who you want, when you want! You are bound to find your perfect scent with So...? Fragrances. For more information, visit http://www.sofragrance.com/ or call 1-800-326-7337.
About Soles4Soles, Inc.
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit http://www.soles4souls.org/ or call (888) 840-7074.
Monday, November 06, 2006
SAY HELLO TO PIPERLIME
Gap Inc.’s Fresh Online Shoe Shop Makes Official Debut; Announces Exclusive Partnership with Humanitarian Organization Soles4Souls
SAN FRANCISCO – November 1, 2006 – Gap Inc. Direct, the e-commerce division of Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS), today officially launched Piperlime, a fresh online shoe shop from the people who brought you Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Forth & Towne. Piperlime offers its customers a hand-picked assortment of the best brands in footwear for women, men and kids, indulges them with the juiciest tips, trends and treats, and keeps them in the know with advice from leading style authorities.
“We want to create the ultimate shoe-lover’s experience,” said Catherine Beaudoin, Gap Inc. Direct Senior Vice President, and General Manager of Piperlime. “Piperlime is more than just a shoe store. We offer a strong point of view on what to buy and how to wear it, a fabulous assortment and an incredibly easy and satisfying shopping experience. It’s a place where your obsession with shoes isn’t just accepted, it’s encouraged.”
The heart of Piperlime is its hand-picked assortment of brands and styles. Making use of Gap Inc.’s trusted, distinctive fashion point-of-view, Piperlime’s collection of shoes for women, men and kids will feature the hottest styles and designers, such as Ben Sherman, Charles David, Clarks, Converse, Delman, Franco Sarto, Frye, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Robeez, Roxy, Steve Madden, Taryn Rose, Timberland, Tsubo and Umi. Exclusive contributions by guest editors such as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe ensure Piperlime’s customers are up-to-date on the latest fashion trends.
Additionally, building on Gap Inc.’s rich history of community investment, Piperlime today announced that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Soles4Souls™ Inc., a unique non-profit organization whose simple mission is to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes. Since its inception two years ago, Soles4Souls has collected and distributed over one million pairs of new and gently-used footwear to those in need throughout the world. As the organization’s exclusive online partner, Piperlime will do its part to further Soles4Souls’ mission through a variety of programs, beginning today with a shoe auction featuring fabulous footwear donated by celebrities including Jessica Simpson, Mischa Barton and Sharon Stone.
"We’re thrilled to have established a relationship with Piperlime, a brand that truly understands and supports our mission,” said Wayne Elsey, founder, Soles4Souls. “Gap Inc.’s generosity and commitment to social investment are well known, a fact they’ve underscored today. I’m excited to see what Piperlime and Soles4Souls can accomplish together.”
Piperlime joins Gap Inc.’s established portfolio of apparel e-commerce websites – Gap.com, BananaRepublic.com and OldNavy.com – and enables its customers to put together complete looks, from head-to-toe. Piperlime’s customers will receive free shipping and free returns on every order, along with 24-hour customer service via phone or email. Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy credit cards are welcome at Piperlime, and customers can earn and redeem reward points on the website.
Stop by www.piperlime.com today.
SAN FRANCISCO – November 1, 2006 – Gap Inc. Direct, the e-commerce division of Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS), today officially launched Piperlime, a fresh online shoe shop from the people who brought you Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Forth & Towne. Piperlime offers its customers a hand-picked assortment of the best brands in footwear for women, men and kids, indulges them with the juiciest tips, trends and treats, and keeps them in the know with advice from leading style authorities.
“We want to create the ultimate shoe-lover’s experience,” said Catherine Beaudoin, Gap Inc. Direct Senior Vice President, and General Manager of Piperlime. “Piperlime is more than just a shoe store. We offer a strong point of view on what to buy and how to wear it, a fabulous assortment and an incredibly easy and satisfying shopping experience. It’s a place where your obsession with shoes isn’t just accepted, it’s encouraged.”
The heart of Piperlime is its hand-picked assortment of brands and styles. Making use of Gap Inc.’s trusted, distinctive fashion point-of-view, Piperlime’s collection of shoes for women, men and kids will feature the hottest styles and designers, such as Ben Sherman, Charles David, Clarks, Converse, Delman, Franco Sarto, Frye, Hugo Boss, Kenneth Cole, Robeez, Roxy, Steve Madden, Taryn Rose, Timberland, Tsubo and Umi. Exclusive contributions by guest editors such as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe ensure Piperlime’s customers are up-to-date on the latest fashion trends.
Additionally, building on Gap Inc.’s rich history of community investment, Piperlime today announced that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Soles4Souls™ Inc., a unique non-profit organization whose simple mission is to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes. Since its inception two years ago, Soles4Souls has collected and distributed over one million pairs of new and gently-used footwear to those in need throughout the world. As the organization’s exclusive online partner, Piperlime will do its part to further Soles4Souls’ mission through a variety of programs, beginning today with a shoe auction featuring fabulous footwear donated by celebrities including Jessica Simpson, Mischa Barton and Sharon Stone.
"We’re thrilled to have established a relationship with Piperlime, a brand that truly understands and supports our mission,” said Wayne Elsey, founder, Soles4Souls. “Gap Inc.’s generosity and commitment to social investment are well known, a fact they’ve underscored today. I’m excited to see what Piperlime and Soles4Souls can accomplish together.”
Piperlime joins Gap Inc.’s established portfolio of apparel e-commerce websites – Gap.com, BananaRepublic.com and OldNavy.com – and enables its customers to put together complete looks, from head-to-toe. Piperlime’s customers will receive free shipping and free returns on every order, along with 24-hour customer service via phone or email. Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy credit cards are welcome at Piperlime, and customers can earn and redeem reward points on the website.
Stop by www.piperlime.com today.
CALLING ALL GIRLS!
So...? fragrances present KISS FOR A CAUSE, a star-studded shoe drive, benefiting Soles4Souls Inc.
WHEN: Saturday, November 11th
TIME: Noon - 6pm
WHERE: Brea Mall, Center Court
DETAILS:
WHEN: Saturday, November 11th
TIME: Noon - 6pm
WHERE: Brea Mall, Center Court
DETAILS:
- Bring a pair of new or gently worn shoes and receive one (1) full size So...? fragrance bottle
- Donate a "kiss" print during KISS FOR A CAUSE
- Sample So...? fragrances
- Stop by our FREE event and get cool prizes and giveaways
SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES BY STARS OF The N's Degrassi: Melissa McIntyre & Cassie Steele!!
Kidz Shoebiz in Alpharetta, Georgia, Helps Soles4Souls Inc!
FROM Kidz Shoebiz:
"The holidays are quickly approaching, and Kidz Shoebiz wants to help every child find joy during this holiday season. To show appreciation and support for the community, Kidz Shoebiz has dedicated the month of November to giving.
We have partnered with an organization that facilitates the donation of children and adult shoes for disaster victims worldwide. The Soles4Souls organization provides aid for disaster victims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Tsunami Disaster that are in need of shoes.
You can make a difference in the lives of storm victims by donating a pair of your child’s shoes in good condition. Kidz Shoebiz customers will receive a $5 DISCOUNT on a new pair of shoes.
We appreciate your business and generosity! Thank you for giving the gift of shoes."
* * * * *
Kidz Shoebiz is located at:
11875 Jones Bridge Road Suite E
Alpharetta, GA 30005
770-619-5955
Offer good until November 30, 2006. Limit two $5 discounts per family per visit. Offer not valid on prior purchases – in stock purchases only. Offer good on shoes only, not valid for taxes, shipping or handling. Kidz Shoebiz reserves the right to end this promotion at any time.
"The holidays are quickly approaching, and Kidz Shoebiz wants to help every child find joy during this holiday season. To show appreciation and support for the community, Kidz Shoebiz has dedicated the month of November to giving.
We have partnered with an organization that facilitates the donation of children and adult shoes for disaster victims worldwide. The Soles4Souls organization provides aid for disaster victims of Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Tsunami Disaster that are in need of shoes.
You can make a difference in the lives of storm victims by donating a pair of your child’s shoes in good condition. Kidz Shoebiz customers will receive a $5 DISCOUNT on a new pair of shoes.
We appreciate your business and generosity! Thank you for giving the gift of shoes."
* * * * *
Kidz Shoebiz is located at:
11875 Jones Bridge Road Suite E
Alpharetta, GA 30005
770-619-5955
Offer good until November 30, 2006. Limit two $5 discounts per family per visit. Offer not valid on prior purchases – in stock purchases only. Offer good on shoes only, not valid for taxes, shipping or handling. Kidz Shoebiz reserves the right to end this promotion at any time.
WSA Gives $38 Million For Footwear and Exhibition Charities
INDUSTRY LEADERS, NONPROFIT EXECS MAKE PLANS FOR RECORD-LEVEL GIFT
ENCINO, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2006) — Following WSA’s record-level donation of funds to footwear and exhibition industry organizations, industry leaders are starting to make plans for how to use the gift in the best way. “It’s wonderful,” said Tim O’Donovan, president and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide, and member of the executive committee of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, which will receive $5 million. “The board of directors is incredibly appreciative. We’ve had a long history with the WSA, and this most recent is the biggest gift in the history of Two Ten.”
On Oct. 23, the board of directors of the World Shoe Association, a nonprofit organization that produces the WSA Show, the world’s largest footwear and accessories trade shows, and publishes WSA Today and WSAToday.com, announced that it has designated approximately $38 million for domestic and international humanitarian efforts. The aggregate grants are the largest to be made in the history of the industry. The proposed grants are conditional upon completion of legal and other arrangements.
Other recipients include Soles4Souls, Nashville, Tenn., $20.3 million; World Shoe Travelers Association, Columbia, Md., $5 million; National Shoe Retailers Association, Columbia, Md., $4 million; WSA Trust for distribution to fashion and footwear design institution programs, $2.35 million; Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Dallas, $1 million, and Operation Bootstrap, Tubac, Ariz., $350,000. “Our organization is very flattered that WSA wants to continue to support the independent retail community,” said Chuck Schuyler, president of the NSRA. For all the organizations, the WSA donation is significant. For example, the Two Ten Foundation currently disburses $2 million a year. “This will allow us to impact more lives, more families, and that is at the heart of this major gift,” said Peggy Meill, the group’s president. The Two Ten board will meet in December to determine how to allocate the grant between the categories of endowment and annual giving. “We have immense gratitude, and we need to give a serious response,” she said. Steven Nichols, president and CEO of K-Swiss and chairman of Two Ten’s scholarship committee, is eager to increase the amount the group can grant. “We have to make decisions every year based on a finite amount of money,” he pointed out. Currently, Two Ten helps 600 students each year. “There’s only so much we can give till it’s all used up. When we get more, we will change the lives of more children of the people in the industry.” Added O’Donovan, “Long term, the scholarships create opportunity.” Two Ten also makes financial relief donations to footwear-industry workers who need them.
Soles4Souls, which started two years ago by providing more than 1 million pairs of shoes to needy people, including victims of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, will receive the largest grant. “We are very excited by the tremendous opportunity that the WSA grant gives us,” said Wayne Elsey, founder of Soles4Souls and president of Kodiak-Terra USA. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to expand our mission, which is simple: to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.”
Soles4Souls has agreed to hold a semiannual fundraising gala on the opening night of each WSA Show to further the organization’s outreach efforts. “This high-visibility vehicle will provide Soles4Souls the potential to draw media and public attention that can create international interest, similar to what Live Aid and other organizations are doing," said Mitch Fisherman, president of WSA’s board of directors. "At the same time, our current participants at the shows will have access to world-class entertainment that benefits a good cause."
According to Soles4Souls, more than 1 billion people currently earn less than a dollar a day, which they must first spend on basics like food and shelter. “Shoes, although very necessary, are still a luxury in many parts of the world,” Elsey said. “With this incredible grant from WSA, Soles4Souls will be able to respond to current requests from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and right here for underprivileged people in the United States.”
Elsey said the WSA grant also allows Soles4Souls to continue its strong domestic programs that began in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. “Through our ‘Shoe Trade-In’ program, retailers can also benefit by encouraging customers to donate gently worn shoes in exchange for a purchase incentive,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation for the retailer, the customer and the community.”
Gina Berman, president of the board of WSTA, said her group has no comment. It will work on strategies to respond to the bequest within the next two weeks.
The funding for the six organizations was made possible as a result of WSA’s decision to sell its assets to WSA Global Holdings, LLC, a new, privately held company under CEO Skip Farber who, along with COO Diane Stone, has directed WSA’s efforts for the past three years. In its history, WSA, founded in 1947, has operated as both a for-profit and nonprofit organization. WSA’s distributions of assets are consistent with the requirements of tax-exempt entities. Once these distributions have been completed in the near future, the nonprofit organization will dissolve. “The WSA board of directors has demonstrated great vision, leadership and courage to effect the kinds of dramatic changes that the organization has needed," Farber added.
WSA Global Holdings, LLC will produce the twice-yearly WSA Show trade shows, which each attract more than 36,000 participants from 95 countries including 1,600 exhibitors showcasing more than 6,000 brands. The Collections at WSA, the premier luxury footwear show-within-a-show, features more than 350 luxury footwear and accessories designers in an upscale setting. In addition to publishing WSA Today and WSAToday.com, the company intends to launch TheShoebook.com, a directory and resource Web site for retailers and manufacturers, in the first quarter of 2007. Plans also call for launching Global Footwear Sourcing at WSA in August 2008, a separate trade show to be co-located in Las Vegas with the WSA Shows. This show will target designers and sourcing executives seeking new technologies, factories and components for footwear design and creation. The company will pursue new ventures in online and print publishing and data to support footwear manufacturers and retailers. WSA Global Holdings, LLC, like its predecessor, will be based in Encino in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The company currently operates several divisions including show operations, publishing and retail relations.
ENCINO, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2006) — Following WSA’s record-level donation of funds to footwear and exhibition industry organizations, industry leaders are starting to make plans for how to use the gift in the best way. “It’s wonderful,” said Tim O’Donovan, president and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide, and member of the executive committee of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, which will receive $5 million. “The board of directors is incredibly appreciative. We’ve had a long history with the WSA, and this most recent is the biggest gift in the history of Two Ten.”
On Oct. 23, the board of directors of the World Shoe Association, a nonprofit organization that produces the WSA Show, the world’s largest footwear and accessories trade shows, and publishes WSA Today and WSAToday.com, announced that it has designated approximately $38 million for domestic and international humanitarian efforts. The aggregate grants are the largest to be made in the history of the industry. The proposed grants are conditional upon completion of legal and other arrangements.
Other recipients include Soles4Souls, Nashville, Tenn., $20.3 million; World Shoe Travelers Association, Columbia, Md., $5 million; National Shoe Retailers Association, Columbia, Md., $4 million; WSA Trust for distribution to fashion and footwear design institution programs, $2.35 million; Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Dallas, $1 million, and Operation Bootstrap, Tubac, Ariz., $350,000. “Our organization is very flattered that WSA wants to continue to support the independent retail community,” said Chuck Schuyler, president of the NSRA. For all the organizations, the WSA donation is significant. For example, the Two Ten Foundation currently disburses $2 million a year. “This will allow us to impact more lives, more families, and that is at the heart of this major gift,” said Peggy Meill, the group’s president. The Two Ten board will meet in December to determine how to allocate the grant between the categories of endowment and annual giving. “We have immense gratitude, and we need to give a serious response,” she said. Steven Nichols, president and CEO of K-Swiss and chairman of Two Ten’s scholarship committee, is eager to increase the amount the group can grant. “We have to make decisions every year based on a finite amount of money,” he pointed out. Currently, Two Ten helps 600 students each year. “There’s only so much we can give till it’s all used up. When we get more, we will change the lives of more children of the people in the industry.” Added O’Donovan, “Long term, the scholarships create opportunity.” Two Ten also makes financial relief donations to footwear-industry workers who need them.
Soles4Souls, which started two years ago by providing more than 1 million pairs of shoes to needy people, including victims of the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, will receive the largest grant. “We are very excited by the tremendous opportunity that the WSA grant gives us,” said Wayne Elsey, founder of Soles4Souls and president of Kodiak-Terra USA. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to expand our mission, which is simple: to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.”
Soles4Souls has agreed to hold a semiannual fundraising gala on the opening night of each WSA Show to further the organization’s outreach efforts. “This high-visibility vehicle will provide Soles4Souls the potential to draw media and public attention that can create international interest, similar to what Live Aid and other organizations are doing," said Mitch Fisherman, president of WSA’s board of directors. "At the same time, our current participants at the shows will have access to world-class entertainment that benefits a good cause."
According to Soles4Souls, more than 1 billion people currently earn less than a dollar a day, which they must first spend on basics like food and shelter. “Shoes, although very necessary, are still a luxury in many parts of the world,” Elsey said. “With this incredible grant from WSA, Soles4Souls will be able to respond to current requests from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and right here for underprivileged people in the United States.”
Elsey said the WSA grant also allows Soles4Souls to continue its strong domestic programs that began in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. “Through our ‘Shoe Trade-In’ program, retailers can also benefit by encouraging customers to donate gently worn shoes in exchange for a purchase incentive,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation for the retailer, the customer and the community.”
Gina Berman, president of the board of WSTA, said her group has no comment. It will work on strategies to respond to the bequest within the next two weeks.
The funding for the six organizations was made possible as a result of WSA’s decision to sell its assets to WSA Global Holdings, LLC, a new, privately held company under CEO Skip Farber who, along with COO Diane Stone, has directed WSA’s efforts for the past three years. In its history, WSA, founded in 1947, has operated as both a for-profit and nonprofit organization. WSA’s distributions of assets are consistent with the requirements of tax-exempt entities. Once these distributions have been completed in the near future, the nonprofit organization will dissolve. “The WSA board of directors has demonstrated great vision, leadership and courage to effect the kinds of dramatic changes that the organization has needed," Farber added.
WSA Global Holdings, LLC will produce the twice-yearly WSA Show trade shows, which each attract more than 36,000 participants from 95 countries including 1,600 exhibitors showcasing more than 6,000 brands. The Collections at WSA, the premier luxury footwear show-within-a-show, features more than 350 luxury footwear and accessories designers in an upscale setting. In addition to publishing WSA Today and WSAToday.com, the company intends to launch TheShoebook.com, a directory and resource Web site for retailers and manufacturers, in the first quarter of 2007. Plans also call for launching Global Footwear Sourcing at WSA in August 2008, a separate trade show to be co-located in Las Vegas with the WSA Shows. This show will target designers and sourcing executives seeking new technologies, factories and components for footwear design and creation. The company will pursue new ventures in online and print publishing and data to support footwear manufacturers and retailers. WSA Global Holdings, LLC, like its predecessor, will be based in Encino in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The company currently operates several divisions including show operations, publishing and retail relations.
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