Students in underserved Broward County public schools continue to receive brand new athletic shoes, thanks to Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, who is the founding sponsor and chief fundraiser of the Soles4Souls 4EveryKid program in Broward County.
Most recently, Case led her Rick Case Cares team in volunteering to help every student at Broward Estates Elementary in Fort Lauderdale go “sole”-searching for that perfect pair of sneakers. Students walked away with an extra special spring in their step, choosing from an array of athletic shoes that fit their feet and personality. They also left with a pair of socks and a book.
“It’s been proven that well fitted, branded athletic shoes encourage children and improve every child’s willingness to participate in and join in athletic activities,” Case said. “It builds self-esteem, confidence and a sense of belonging with their peers, and it keeps them moving. If we can keep kids confident and positive and wanting to be in school because their feet are comfortable, they’ll get to the next grade on time. If they get to the next grade on time, they’ll get through school. Education is the greatest gift that we can support because once it’s given, no one can ever take it away.”
Case has raised nearly $500,000 for the 4EveryKid program with many five-year commitments to secure funding for years to come. With her husband Rick, she’s been involved with Soles4Souls since 2013 when they began providing coats and shoes to children at Boys & Girls Clubs in Broward County.
Soles4Souls is committed to partnering with schools and organizations across the country to donate new athletic shoes to children experiencing homelessness and in underserved populations.
“We make sure that thousands of shoes come into Broward County each school year to serve our students experiencing homelessness,” said Tiffany Turner, vice president of outreach for Soles4Souls. “It takes a village to raise our children. We appreciate all the support we have received here, most notably from Rita and her team. There are smiles all the way around when these students put on their new shoes.”
To date, more than 5,700 kids have received new athletic shoes in Broward County through the 4EveryKid program in partnership with the Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART). A pair of new high-quality athletic shoes typically costs between $40 and $80, with many priced well over $100. Add to that, as children grow, they need multiple pairs which is costly for families. With the athletic shoes received through the 4EveryKid program, students participate more fully in school, and it frees up resources their parents can then use for other necessities.
Case introduced Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid program to partners Children’s Services Council of Broward County, United Way of Broward County, the Cathy and James Donnelly Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward County, UKG, UNCS Cares, Rotary Club of Weston and the Channel 7 Foundation who generously help fund the program in Broward County.