Two Ten Board Spotlight — LuAnn Via — President and CEO Payless Shoesource
Meet LuAnn Via, Two Ten Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chair, and President/CEO of Payless ShoeSource. LuAnn will be honored Nov. 7 by The Intimate Apparel Square Club at the annual HUG (Help Us Give) awards gala and fundraiser in New York, where proceeds will benefit pediatric services at NYU Langone Medical Center’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.
In her own words, LuAnn tells us why Two Ten has played an integral role in her philanthropic efforts. “Being a part of Two Ten has been an unbelievable experience for me. The unique thing that has always stood out to me about Two Ten is seeing people who compete in the same industry transform from competitors to collaborators — all because of their commitment to Two Ten and the people of our industry. Two Ten connects us all around the idea of the greater good — around the belief that doing what’s right by helping our footwear families in their time of need is the most important thing we can do. I am continuously amazed by the stories I hear from my associates and my peers about the difference Two Ten has made in so many lives. It’s impossible to be exposed to these stories and not be forever changed. I can’t express how proud I am to serve alongside a group of leaders who are some of the most passionate, hard-working, motivated people I’ve ever worked with and to support an organization that means so much to our industry.”
Meet The Staff
Katy Alley, Program Director of Support Services and Scholarships
As Program Director of Support Services and Scholarships, Kate Alley is very in tune with the needs of shoepeople who call our offices every day looking for help. “People are working hard to keep their heads above water, and oftentimes their pride makes them reluctant to call, but when they do, the relief they get enables them to focus on what is truly important in their lives.”
Kate’s commitment to social work comes in large part from her parents and sister whose devotion to “at risk” kids and a lifelong involvement in medical missions, have inspired her to “give back” in every aspect of her life. She loves to travel and always makes it a point to volunteer with local causes while on vacation and feels it connects her with the culture and social order of the countries she visits.
Kate’s passion for helping others led her to contribute to a host of worthy causes around the globe including Alaska, Mozambique, the Dominican Republic and Thailand. Over the last 15 years, Kate has leveraged her unique combination of business administration, strategy, clinical and program management skills to help for-profits and not-for-profits raise public awareness and promote their brands. Kate received her bachelor’s degree in Russian studies from Drew University and her MBA and MSW degrees from Boston University. Kate is an avid skier and cyclist, having completed the Pan Mass Challenge in 2010 and 2011.
Darcy Pfeifer, Development Manager
We are thrilled to have Darcy join the Two Ten family as our new Development Manager. “I love what I do at Two Ten. The legacy of passing the hat is very important to me. People are always willing to engage with Two Ten because of our reputation and our ability to create meaningful impact in the lives of so many.” Her fundraising, development and marketing knowledge coupled with a wonderful personality and infectious laugh make her a valuable member of the development team.
Darcy joined Two Ten in June 2012 from the Fortunato Consulting Group (FCG) where she was Vice President and Managing Director, working with Boston area nonprofits on fundraising, development, marketing and events. Prior to joining FCG, Darcy served as an Account Supervisor at Arnold Worldwide, where she developed, implemented and managed strategic communications plans for a roster of clients that included Ameritrade, Haverford College and Tyson Foods. Before joining Arnold, Darcy worked at Citizens Bank as a public affairs officer working on corporate giving, employee volunteer programs, corporate sponsorships and media relations. Darcy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Vermont where she was president and treasurer of the sailing team and a passionate skier. In 2012, Darcy was accepted into the Museum of Fine Arts Associates program and currently serves as secretary of the Thimble Islands Sailing Club.
Thank you to the golfers and sponsors of The Brown Shoe Company and Two Ten St. Louis Golf Tournament!
As a result of your generosity, the tournament raised over $50,000 for shoepeople in need.
Thank you to the committee who made the day possible:
Missy McCorison, Jennifer Thompson, Robert Broggi, Eddie Sprengel, Melissa Bushway, Amy Cullman, Andrea Denningham, Sharon Eberlin, Nia Mallyn, Liz McGee, Kris Williams, Meghan Williams.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!
First Place:
Rick Ausick, Matt Poling, Mark Schmidt, Mike Donnelly
Cameron Sullivan, Karlee Gaubatz, Lynn McCormick, Steve Isham
Second Place:
Rick Graham, Rick Ohlsen, Michael Ferlauto, Michelle Wullner
Ken Linden, Mike Hale, Michelle Mackin, Maggie Poling
Third Place:
Clay Jenkins, Mark Jenkins, Joel Sorofman, Jon Wagner
Craig Chmura, Rodney Dyer, Jon Edwards, Brad Lyle
Closest to the Pin: Matt Poling, Monica Hannah
Longest Drive: Monica Hannah, Ryan Elder
Longest Putt: Carol Retkowski
Ballzooka: Tim Moss
Waltham, MA
Two Ten Footwear Foundation helps 111 Footwear Families in the Gulf
Hurricane Isaac may be out of the news, but thousands of people living in the Gulf are still recovering.
“In the last few weeks, Two Ten has helped 111 footwear families by providing $20,000 in emergency relief aid for groceries and other critical needs,” according to Neal Newman, Two Ten’s president. “This is why we are here. It is part of our 73 year old tradition of shoepeople helping shoepoeple; and it is our greatest pride to be of service to footwear families at times of crisis like Hurricane Isaac.”
In most cases, families received much-needed financial help within 24 hours of calling Two Ten. Social workers also helped footwear families find local aid from organizations like FEMA, The Salvation Army, and the Red Cross. Many footwear families were forced out of their homes in Louisiana, relocating to Mississippi and Texas and Two Ten was able to help make these transitions smoother.
According to one retail store manager, “Out of all the assistance that’s out there, Two Ten is the only one that provided for me…Two Ten was there…”
About Two Ten Footwear Foundation
Two Ten Footwear Foundation is the charitable foundation for the U.S. footwear industry. Two Ten Foundation is America’s only industry foundation; 100% funded by the footwear industry for footwear workers. Every dollar raised from the footwear industry goes right back to shoepeople and their families who need help. Founded in 1939, Two Ten has served hundreds of thousands of footwear workers with emergency financial assistance, confidential counseling, referrals to community-based social services, information about rights and benefits, higher education scholarships and sensational networking opportunities and programs that’s strengthen footwear unity. Over the last twelve months, Two Ten received over 2,000 calls for help and distributed over $1.34 million in financial assistance and $700,000 in college scholarships.
