2026 Two Ten Gala Raises Nearly $650,000 for Relief, Hardship and Education Programs

Nearly 750 people from the footwear industry came together for a night of celebration, community and philanthropy at Two Ten's Annual Gala on June 2, 2026. Leaders from across the industry convened at The Glasshouse in NYC to raise critical funds for the Foundation's hardship and disaster relief grants, educational programs, and community initiatives. The program also honored industry veterans Mark Lardie, former President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, and Tacey Powers, EVP and GMM of Shoes, Accessories, Home, and Kids, Nordstrom. 

The program kicked off with a video highlighting the story of Rebecca Felger Romano, a relief grant recipient and the manager of Felger’s Shoes in Houma, Louisiana. Rebecca received a grant from Two Ten in 2021 after Hurricane Ida wrought damage to her home and forced her family business to close during storm recovery. 

“Asking for help from Two Ten was humbling,” Rebecca related. “I never thought I was going to be the person that needs help. Luckily, it was there in my greatest time of need and I’m extremely thankful for what Two Ten was able to provide.” 

Two Ten President & CEO Shawn Osborne recapped Two Ten's most recent year, sharing that the Foundation awarded nearly $2 million to families facing hardships due to medical bills, housing insecurity, and tuition costs. He also announced the launch of a new pilot program designed to provide increased financial assistance for colleagues facing extraordinary life challenges like medical diagnoses, the loss of a loved one, and other devastating circumstances. 

President of Aldo Product Services and Two Ten Board Chair Jonathan Frankel also emphasized the importance of Two Ten in his remarks and encouraged gala attendees to continue supporting the Foundation in any way they can. 

"Everyone in this room is very likely one degree of separation from someone who has turned to Two Ten in a moment of real need," Jonathan remarked. "Those moments are often private, when people have exhausted every option and simply need help getting back on their feet. When that moment arrives, Two Ten answers the call."

He later announced several live fundraising updates, including an additional $25,000 from Ortholite, $10,000 from Foot Locker Foundation, and an additional $25,000 from ALDO Group. 

Two Ten scholars Joanna Ezzard and Joy Batra shared how receiving college scholarships from Two Ten helped them flourish in their respective fields. Joanna, who worked as an associate at Foot Locker during high school, will be pursuing a master’s in data analytics this fall after recently graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University. Joy, a past Two Ten Scholar, spoke about how a scholarship made it feasible for her to attend Harvard graduate school for law and business and spend nine months acting in Bollywood before starting her own consulting business and becoming a published author. 

“I can say with confidence: Without Two Ten, none of that would have been possible,” Joy said.  

Mark Lardie, former President and CEO of Rack Room Shoes, was presented with the A.A. Bloom Memorial Award in recognition of his extraordinary service to Two Ten and the industry for three decades. Tacey Powers, EVP and GMM of Shoes, Accessories, Home, and Kids, Nordstrom, was presented with the 2026 WIFI Impact Award in recognition of her leadership and dedication to advancing women in the footwear community.  

Jonathan Frankel closed out the evening by thanking the 2026 Gala sponsors, including Micro-Pak, Bordan Shoe, Power Rich, Zilsen, Alliant Insurance Services, Bay Rag, and more.