The industry rallied for this year’s Shoes for a Cure fundraiser, coming together to raise more than $700,000 for breast cancer research.
More than 350 volunteers from 53 companies pitched in at the five-day shoe sale, held last month at Chelsea Market. All told, more than 5,000 pairs of shoes were sold, and the event brought in more than $320,000. In addition, a number of big donations brought the total raised to over $700,0000; last year, the event raised more than $600,000.
“We had a really strong year. It was so much more impactful and engaging compared with last year because we knew how to do it logistically,” said Sandi Mines, president of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF). She added that corporate teams from across the industry were out in full force, giving the event a major boost. “It was really cool to see companies come together to do something great.”
In addition, an intimate cocktail party at L’Avenue at Saks, held the evening before the sale kicked off, helped build buzz around the cause. Emily Rockefeller hosted the event, and Katie Couric also spoke to the crowd of top supporters.
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The 2024 Shoes for a Cure grant recipient is Dr Lisa Newman, a New York doctor who has spent her entire career researching the cure for breast cancer. Newman has also been focusing on ways to close the gap in breast cancer treatment for women of color.
Outside of the New York effort, Shoes for a Cure launched a Miami event in partnership with the Miami Design District.
Proceeds from the one-day charity shopping activation and private cocktail event were directed to Braman Family Cancer Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
