Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit that “empowers young girls,” appointed Joey Pointer, CEO of Fleet Feet, to its board of directors.
Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, has supported Girls on the Run since 2019 as its National SoleMates Partner. Girls on the Run offers girls an after-school program that incorporates running and other physical activities while building essential life skills.
Fleet Feet revamped Girls on the Run and refreshed its marketing materials for SoleMates, which empowers those fans of Girls on the Run to fundraise for a favorite Girls on the Run council.
In 2020, Girls on the Run and Fleet Feet partnered on Global Running Day for a virtual event across the country called My Big Run, which raised almost $50,000 from participants. In 2022, they launched the National SoleMates Team with 20 selected team members and raised more than $20,000. In 2023, the team raised more than $25,000. The funds support councils chosen by each National SoleMates Team member, with Fleet Feet matching and donating the amount raised to Girls on the Run International.
“Fleet Feet believes that running has the power to change people and communities for the better. Ensuring everyone is able to unlock confidence through movement has been at the heart of the company since it was founded 47 years ago,” said Elizabeth Kunz, CEO of Girls on the Run International. “Throughout our four-year partnership, Joey has brought to Girls on the Run a commitment to empower the runner in everyone. We are thrilled to have him serve on our board, where he will continue to make a tremendous impact on the next generation.”
“Partnering with Girls on the Run for the past four years has been an incredibly rewarding journey, not just professionally but personally as well,” said Pointer. “Witnessing my daughter’s transformative experience as a participant and seeing the dedication of my wife as a coach for the past six years has deepened my admiration for this program. Our local stores and GOTR councils have forged meaningful community relationships rooted in serving the runner in everyone.”
Photo courtesy Girls on the Run
