05 May Rack Room Shoes recognized as leading philanthropic business in Charlotte
National retailer receives Mayor’s International Community Award
Family footwear retailer Rack Room Shoes has celebrated a culture of giving back for decades. Operating under the German ownership of The Deichmann Group, one of the largest privately owned footwear retailers in the world, the company commits to year-round charitable initiatives that span local, national and even global proportions. These efforts have not gone unnoticed by both local and national partners and beneficiaries.
The City of Charlotte recently awarded Rack Room Shoes with the Mayor’s International Community Award. The annual recognition – which is hosted by the Charlotte International Cabinet and the Office of the Mayor – highlights foreign owned companies in the area that display an ongoing commitment to outstanding philanthropic efforts. Rack Room Shoes was honored at an awards banquet held May 4 at The Booth Playhouse in Charlotte.
Rack Room Shoes concentrates on a number of internal and external philanthropic programs, benefitting its like-minded non-profit partners, employees and the local community.
Shoes That Fit Campaign
Rack Room Shoes has raised millions of dollars – and donated hundreds of thousands of shoes – to benefit children in need through an annual campaign with the non-profit, Shoes That Fit. Funds raised at individual stores stay in the local communities. Charlotte and Concord have repeatedly been named as top fundraising cities. The 2016 campaign launches this July.
Programs That Benefit Associates
Through a gift matching program, Rack Room Shoes recognizes, encourages and amplifies the generosity of its associates by empowering them to better the communities in which they live and work. Through this system of charitable matching, Rack Room Shoes commits to doubling the impact of associate charitable donations to support causes that are meaningful to the people who represent the company. Rack Room Shoes also offers the opportunity for individuals and organizations to make requests for a $100 Rack Room Shoes Gives donation card to support local non-profit organization fundraising events.
What’s Next? Shuffletown Park Beautification Project
On May 19, the company will take its more than 200 corporate employees to Shuffletown Park for a community service and beautification project. The event, held during normal business hours, will involve tasks such as picking up trash, planting flowers and improving the park landscape.
Over the years, the retailer has also led the way to provide student scholarships, school grants and donations to various charities. Rack Room Shoes President and CEO Mark Lardie attributes the retailer’s generous acts to the company’s foundational roots.
“Our philanthropic initiatives trace back to our parent company – The Deichmann Group. Dr. Heinz Deichmann created the non-profit, Word and Deed, to provide aid to Christian organizations in the developing world in areas such as education, orphan care and disaster relief,” said Lardie. “It is a privilege to carry out his spirit of generosity today. We are constantly encouraged to find new ways to support the community in which we live and serve.”
About Rack Room Shoes
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is the family footwear retailer of choice. Known as an innovator in the shoe industry for more than 90 years, Rack Room Shoes offers a wide selection of nationally recognized and private brands of shoes for men, women and children in comfort, dress, casual and athletic categories. For more information, visit Rack Room Shoes’ website at www.rackroomshoes.com.