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Art Tue May 17 2011
BucketFeet: Footwear and Philanthropy
Lovers of both shoes and art will definitely want to check out BucketFeet, a new shoe company based in Chicago. Co-founded by Aaron Firestein and Raaja Nemani, BucketFeet not only boasts artsy kicks, but is also about making a difference in the lives of children in the community.
Through the company's motto, "Buy a Shoe, Build a Community," BucketFeet works to build and expand communities that support children and the arts worldwide. The shoes, adorned with artwork and designs by Firestein are sold online, with portions of each sale going to three children-focused non-profit charities: Children Mending Hearts, an organization dedicated to arts programs for homeless children; love.futbol, which helps build safe soccer playing fields and Metropolitan Area Group Igniting Civilization (MAGIC), a youth organization in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood that encourages kids to pursue music through its stringed-instrument program.
For Nemani, the shoes are only part of the bigger picture; for him, being involved with kids in the community is what is most fulfilling. "Selling awesome sneakers for a living is cool," he says, "but being able to use that to try to make a difference in the lives of kids around the world is a dream come true."
To learn more about or become involved with BucketFeet, visit the website or send an email to info@bucketfeet.com.
