la Frontera In the News

Round Rock Leader

May 20, 2004

Shoes for Austin raises $32,000 at La Frontera running event

Shoes for Austin (SFA) raised enough money at its annual, 5K Race/Walk to give 1,600 new athletic shoes and socks to deserving kids and adults throughout Central Texas.

Despite cold, wet weather just hours before, approximately 650 competitive and recreational runners and walkers showed up to enjoy the clear, crisp morning.

Hosted on The Green at La Frontera, the Shoes for Austin 5K raised $32,000 in "shoe grants" to support 35 non profits in the region. SFA partners with local agencies, who in turn work with children and families in need, to set life skills goals such as improving a letter grade in school, finding a job, adopting good nutritional habits, achieving a sport, or learning to read.

When the participants complete their goals, they are rewarded with a pair of top-of-the-line New Balance athletic shoes and socks.

Shoe recipients showed their gratitude Sunday.

"Some of our shoe recipients run the race, and it's wonderful to see their smiles when they cross the finish line," said Dianne Bangle, executive director of Shoes for Austin. "Many of these kids have never had a new pair of shoes until participating in the Shoes for Austin program and they like to put those shoes to work."

This year's lead sponsors included New Balance, Fox 7 News, Infinity Broadcasting, Colonial Bank, La Frontera, McGinnis Lochridge and Kilgore, L.L.P., First State Bank of Central Texas, Vintage Plaza, Austin Screen Graphics, Sam's Club, Frost Bank, The Little Gym, Rumor Has It magazine, and the Round Rock Leader.

Race organizers estimate about 30 dogs barked their way across the finish line and then helped themselves to doggie biscuits from Pet Smart and crumbs from their owners' breakfasts.

Approximately 100 kids participated in the 1K which is a favorite for families because parents can keep their eyes on their little runners while they circle The Green.

Clayton Bullock, a realtor at Moreland Properties, which has offices in Austin, Lake Travis and Georgetown, says his company supports the race because they like Shoes for Austin's creativity.

"SFA collects small donations, starting at $20, to buy nice new shoes that would ordinarily cost a lot more. They ask for a little and give a lot," Bullock said.

Founded in 1999 by Austin philanthropists Susan Dell and Paul Carrozza to improve the health and wellness of Central Texas families, Shoes for Austin has partnered with more than 60 non profits and donated more than 20,000 shoes valued at more than $1 million.

For more information about Shoes for Austin visit www.shoesforaustin.org, or call 512.479.SHOE (7463).