Two Ten Footwear Foundation, the national charitable foundation of the U.S. footwear industry, announced the individuals who will be honored at the Foundation’s 79th annual Gala, co-chaired by Sam, Libby and Jesse Edelman of Caleres brand Sam Edelman, on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The T. Kenyon Holly Award will be presented to Michael Greenberg, co-founder, president and director of Skechers, for his outstanding humanitarian achievement.
Industry veteran Katie Butler, general manager for Caleres brand Franco Sarto, will receive the A.A. Bloom Award for her years of service to Two Ten Footwear Foundation.
The Two Ten Social Impact Award will be presented to Zappos for their exemplary commitment to Footwear Cares and community service in Las Vegas.
“This year Two Ten honors three remarkable, philanthropic leaders of the footwear industry,” said Neal Newman, president of Two Ten Footwear Foundation. “Michael, Katie and Zappos are being recognized for their extraordinary philanthropic achievements that have made a meaningful difference in the world, demonstrating time and again that kindness and caring are embedded in our industry’s DNA.”
About the Two Ten Awards and the 2018 Honorees
Michael Greenberg will receive the T. Kenyon Holly Award, Two Ten’s highest honor for outstanding humanitarian achievement. This award is presented to an individual in the footwear, leather or allied industries who exemplifies the spirit and character of the late T. Kenyon Holly, past president of Two Ten Footwear Foundation. Michael’s passion for making a difference in the lives of children with special needs began in elementary school when he served as a mentor for a peer with special needs.
This friendship has impacted Michael throughout his life, leading him in 2005 to co-found The Friendship Circle of South Bay, a branch of the Friendship Foundation International, which creates social and recreational opportunities for special needs children who are at risk of social isolation. The Skechers Foundation hosts the annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk every October to raise funds for children with special needs and public education. With $10 million raised in 10 years, the Friendship Walk is the largest charity event of its kind. (skechersfriendshipwalk.com).
For her years of service to Two Ten, honoree Katie Butler will be honored with the A.A. Bloom Award, which was created in the spirit of the late A.A. Bloom, one of the founders of Two Ten, to honor an individual who has given greatly to Two Ten through his or her initiative hard work, dedication and unselfish actions. As an active Board member and co-chair of the Gala Solicitations Committee, Butler has worked tirelessly to fundraise on behalf of the Foundation. Her commitment, passion and energy have helped to generate millions of dollars to directly assist footwear families in crisis.
The Two Ten Social Impact Award distinguishes an individual or company who affects positive change by giving back to the community, in the spirit of Two Ten’s legacy of footwear cares. This year’s award will honor Zappos, whose primary mission of their Zappos for Good program is to “spread happiness.” Many initiatives are spearheaded by employees who seek ways to give back to the communities where they live and work. Programs like Prom Closet, Kids’ Farmer’s Market, Home for the Pawlidayz, Give and Promapalooza are just some of the many ways Zappos is making a meaningful impact.
