On this episode, we check in on the Sneaks & Cleats initiative which we initially covered back in 2020. The collaboration between community members during a turkey drive sparked the idea of providing new sneakers and cleats to children in need. With the support of sponsors like Bankers Healthcare Group and Financial, and contributions from others such as The Most and Elite Wealth Management Group, the initiative has secured hundreds of new pairs of shoes. Partners like the Heart and Tay Train Foundation and the Syracuse school district have played crucial roles in organizing the event.
Read the transcript below:
Hey everyone, thanks for joining us. Eric, great to have you here sharing your time with us. This is an update on “Making the City Smaller.” It’s been quite a journey since we first met back in 2020. We were blown away by what you were doing in the community, and that connection led us to collaborate during the turkey drive. It was a meaningful experience, deepening our relationship and sparking new ideas.
One idea that emerged was Mike’s vision of providing sneakers and cleats to kids in need. Initially, we thought of collecting gently used items, but Eric took it further, aiming for brand-new gear. With the support of individuals like Al Crawford from Bankers Healthcare Group and Financial, we’ve managed to secure hundreds of new pairs of shoes.
We’ve also received generous contributions from various sponsors, including The Most, the Museum of Science and Technology, and Elite Wealth Management Group, among others. Their involvement has been crucial in making this event possible.
We’re gearing up for the big day on May 21st at Brighton Academy, where we’ll distribute the gear to students in the Syracuse City School District. It’s about addressing a real need in our community, where child poverty rates are alarming. Providing these essentials isn’t just about footwear; it’s about instilling confidence and empowering young athletes to thrive.
We’re grateful for the support from our partners, the Heart and Tay Train Foundation, and the Syracuse school district, who have been instrumental in organizing the event and identifying recipients.
So mark your calendars for May 21st, and join us at Brighton Academy to make a difference in these kids’ lives. Together, let’s continue to uplift our community and create positive change. Thanks for your support, and let’s keep the momentum going!