2025 Two Ten Gala Raises Funds for Critical Programs

There was a lot of heart as well as sole at Two Ten's annual gala last night. Leaders from across the footwear industry came together at The Glasshouse in NYC to raise critical funds for the Foundation's hardship and disaster relief programs, educational programs, and community initiatives. The evening was also an opportunity to honor industry veteran David Kahan, president of Birkenstock Americas, and to recognize the achievements of the seven founding members of Two Ten's Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) Advisory Board.

Two Ten Board Member Ronnie Jefferson, SVP/GMM of Finish Line at Macy's, kicked off the evening's on-stage program with a call to action, asking the audience to dig deep and give generously. Two Ten Board Chair Joe Preston, president & CEO of New Balance, anchored the mission segment of the program, reminding the audience that the reason the Foundation exists is so we can be there for each other, providing hope in hard times, offering opportunity to rise, and building a stronger industry community. Preston welcomed several Two Ten grant recipients to join him on stage to share their stories.

Two Ten Board Member David Kahan, president of Birkenstock Americas, was presented with the A.A. Bloom Memorial Award in recognition of more than a decade of extraordinary service to advance the Two Ten mission of lifing lives. The seven founding members of Two Ten's Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) Advisory Board were presented with the WIFI Impact Award in recognition of their leadership reinvigorating the WIFI community over the past two years. These extraordinary female leaders include WIFI Advisory Board Chair Sarah Bloch, SVP, Footwear and Accessories, Circana; Board Secretary Jori Miller Sherer, President, Minnetonka; and Board members Stephanie Berg, Senior Director of Sales, Birkenstock USA; Eli Del Carmen, VP, Sales, Caleres; Kathy Forstadt, Former Senior Director of Merchandising, Zappos.com; Christina Gigante, VP of Sales, Skechers (BOBS/BOBS Sport Divisions); and Melissa Worth, SVP Americas, New Balance.

The festivities had a lighter side, too. Guests were invited to try their luck at arcade-style claw machines for a chance to win special prizes including Yankees tickets and a golf outing at New Seabury, donated by OrthoLite, and gift cards donated by Famouse Footwear, Nordstrom, Sam Edelman, and Shoe Carnival. All proceeds from the sale of game tokens benefitted Two Ten relief and education programs. In addition to delicious food and drinks, guests also enjoyed candy carts sponsored by Micro-Pak, where they could fill their bags with sweet treats to go. 

Two Ten President & CEO Shawn Osborne closed out the evening by thanking the grant recipients who shared their stories during the program and acknowledging the 2025 Gala sponsors, including Micro-Pak, Bordan Shoe, Dillard's, Power Rich, Zilsen, Authentic Brands Group, Bay Rag, DingCyuan Footwear, FDRA, First Precise Trading Ltd., Gupta H.C. Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Jade Footwear, Properwell Shoes Mfg. Ltd., Stella, William Blair, Zhi Mei Group, and many more.