Shoes for a Cure Is Back: How the Industry Is Rallying to Raise Critical Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Excitement is building for this year’s Shoes for a Cure charity shoe sale, set for Oct. 23 to 27 at Chelsea Market.

The industry fundraiser, which was reimagined last year, is celebrating a big milestone — its 30th year raising critical funds for breast cancer research.

The event, which began as a tent sale in Central Park, has raised more than $60 million through its three decades.

This year, the sale has gathered 10,000 pairs of donated shoes in an upstate New York warehouse and will sell them at the 5-day sale, which is run by 325 volunteers and supporters. Key donors this year include Rack Room, Marc Fisher Footwear, Michael Kors, Deckers, DSW and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Birkenstock, New Balance and Ugg will be among the big brands on display at the sale.

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The 2024 grant recipient is Dr Lisa Newman, a New York doctor who has spent her entire career researching the cure for breast cancer. Last year, Shoes for a Cure raised $600,000 to support Newman’s tireless efforts.

Shoes for a Cure, breast cancer, fundraiser, 2023
The FDRA team holds court at last year’s Shoes for A Cure.

“The cause is incredible, the mission is pure and the doctor is amazing,” said Sandi Mines, president of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF).

Newman has also been focusing on ways to close the gap in breast cancer treatment for women of color.

To build buzz, Shoes for a Cure has also enlisted four influencers — with a combined reach of 1.7 million followers — to help spread the word about the cause.

Outside of the New York effort, Shoes for a Cure is launching a Miami event in partnership with the Miami Design District.

The one day charity shopping activation and private cocktail event, which is invitation only, is set for Oct. 17. Proceeds of Shoes for a Cure Miami will be directed to Braman Family Cancer Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For more information, contact Sandi Mines at smines@fdra.org.

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