SCION GIVES SOLES4SOULS
Scion and Run Athletics team for charity sneaker drive and design contest
Scion and the sneaker impresarios at Run Athletics have joined forces to assist the non-profit Soles4Souls, an organization that provides shoes to needy children around the world.
Sneakerheads and fashionistas converged on New York’s Flatiron District to kick off their kicks for Scion Run Athletics Soles4Souls charity event at the exclusive Ultra Nightclub. In lieu of a cash donation, patrons were asked to give at least two pairs of gently used shoes, be they sneakers, boots, or heels, to get into the A-list party headlined by celebrity DJ Mel Debarge.
The benefit at Ultra marked the launch of the challenge, where aspiring artists can upload sneaker designs to www.runathletics.com/soles4souls for a chance to have 300 pairs created from their winning entry.
The top 300 shoe donators will receive a pair of limited-edition shoes produced from the Run Athletics Shoe Design Contest. All footwear dropped off in the Run Athletics donation boxes will be donated to Soles4Souls, which will distribute the shoes.
A final party in December hosted by Reverend Run of Run DMC and Run Athletics will announce the winner and showcase the winning design. In addition, the top 20 runner-up designs will be matted and displayed at the party and the artists acknowledged.
Soles4Souls’ mission is to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes. The philanthropic organization facilitates the donations of shoes and works directly with shoe companies, retailers, and individuals to source both new and used footwear. The Soles4Souls team has coordinated relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, netting over one million pairs donated for these disasters.
Run Athletics was launched in fall 2003 by hip-hop visionary Russell Simmons and his brother Joseph Simmons, (a.k.a Rev Run) former member of rap group RUN DMC. His insight on sneakers and notoriety as an artist have contributed to the success of the Adidas Supestar (a.k.a The Shell Toe) and the Phat Classic sneaker. The Run Athletics footwear collection currently consists of several lines, including the Legacy, Heritage, Pastry, and ICON series.
For more on the Scion Run Athletics Soles4Souls benefit, please visit www.lalucas.com/soles4souls/.