Gift of Sole campaign raises more than $100K in support of Kansas City children

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hundreds were in attendance Thursday night at the Gift of Sole Gala, an event to help provide shoes for girls and boys in Kansas City.

The first-ever in-person event, held at The Abbott in the Crossroads Arts District, featured food, fun, live music and an auction.

Between the in-person gala and a week of online donations, the 2022 Gift of Sole effort raised more than $100,000 that will be used to support children across Kansas City. The donations will help provide more than 1,300 shoes.

Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and the Urban Ranger Corps of Kansas City.

‘It was a terrific night for our community,” KSHB 41 Vice President and General Manager Kathleen Choal said. “Kansas Citians have made a difference in the lives of many.”

This year’s Gift of Sole was the second year of the effort. In 2021, the effort focused solely on a week of digital giving, during which Kansas Citians generously contributed more than $46,000.

This year’s effort added the in-person Gift of Sole Gala to the online fundraising efforts.

The campaign is near and dear to the heart of KSHB 41 News anchor Kevin Holmes.

"None of this is possible without the hard work of many people across Kansas City," Holmes said. "I am overjoyed."

Attendees were dressed to the nines, and in the spirit of the event, ditched dress shoes and heels for their favorite pair of sneakers.

Donations are still accepted through Monday, Oct. 31. You can learn more on our website.

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