Rick Case Automotive Group and its president and CEO, Rita Case, helped Soles4Soles foot the bill for new shoes for nearly 500 children in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Volunteers from Rick Case Cares joined those from other area businesses to deliver brand-name athletic shoes, socks and books to students at North Fork Elementary School through the 4EveryKid initiative.

The volunteers made sure all students were properly fitted for the new shoes and received a pair that matched their personality and style.

“Children outgrow shoes so quickly and 71% of students reported their ill-fitting and worn-out pairs of shoes caused foot pain and discomfort that they found distracting.” said Case, who founded the 4EveryKid program in Broward County with Soles4Souls. “It’s essential for students to concentrate and focus on school so they can graduate to the next grade level on time and earn their diploma.

“We want every student to get off on the right foot. A new pair of shoes helps them do that.”

In a news release, Soles4Souls said after receiving new shoes, more than 94% of kids increased their physical activity, felt more equal to their peers and were more excited to participate in school, and said the free footwear helps parents and guardians allocate their budgets toward other essential expenses.

Rita Case and her late husband Rick got involved with Soles4Souls in 2013,  providing coats and shoes for children at Boys & Girls Clubs in Broward County.

Since becoming the founding sponsor and chief fundraiser for 4EveryKid Broward in 2022, Case has raised nearly $500,000 for the program with a five-year commitment to secure future funding.

Soles4Souls is a global nonprofit that has provided more than 60,000 pairs of new athletic shoes to children. Since 2022, the organization has provided 12,960 pairs of shoes through the 4EveryKid program in Broward County in partnership with organizations such as Broward County Public Schools, the Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team and the Boys & Girls Clubs.