Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Teams up with Shoes for the Soul

April 2007-Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale teams up with Shoes for the Soul. Shoes for the Soul is a South Florida phenomenon and success story that’s constantly making a name for itself. It is poised to be a global humanitarian organization, too. Shoes for the Soul is comprised of dedicated volunteers who collect and distribute donated new shoes to disadvantaged, homeless and indigent children whose families are unable to afford new ones. Through a community effort of caring and distribution of new shoes, children and teens’ sense of self-worth translates into a message of hope. Since May 2003, more than 40,000 pairs of shoes were distributed to needy children and teens in South Florida, and, most recently, 4,000 pairs of shoes were sent to children in Africa.

In 2004, founder Karen Morrisey teamed up with The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s Honors Program. She was ready to take her organization to the next level. She recognized that just around the corner was a college with students brimming with fresh, innovative, and creative ideas for publicly marketing, branding, and exposing this worthwhile group.

“We have designed the corporate identity, the web page (www.shoesforthesoul.org), the press kit, the membership folder, and various fundraising post cards,” says Advertising/Graphic Design/Honors Program Chair Christine David. “We are now working on a celebrity shoe drive and auction fundraiser in which we now have over 50 pairs of shoes from artists like Romero Britto; sports figures such as Dan Marino and Alonzo Mourning; TV, film, and music celebrities such as Paris Hilton and her sister Nikki Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Alec Baldwin, and Sara McLaughlin.”

What’s in this for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Honors students who are involved in Shoes for the Soul campaigns? They are reaping enormous benefits by graduating with real-world experience on their resumés and having professional detailed pieces to put in their portfolios for prospective employers such as brochures, newsletters, and invitations. But, most importantly, the students are learning what it means to give back to the community and discover how their compassion and caring for young people in need is a global commitment.

Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7sDdlivFxg to view more about Karen Morrisey, Christine David and her students, and the results of the Shoes for the Soul campaign.
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