Deena Kastor
"Greg has inspired me as a professional athlete. What started with helping him and S.O.S. rewarded me with an enormous sense of pride for also making a difference."
Olympic bronze medalist and American record holder Deena Kastor has done as much for the international running community
off the track as she has
on it. Indeed, Deena is known for always making time to answer questions, sign autographs, and provide encouragement for aspiring runners.
Since March 2007, Deena and her husband Andrew have also blessed Share Our Soles with their kindness and enthusiasm.
Deena and Andrew are two of S.O.S.'s greatest advocates, collecting shoes from many members of the generous Mammoth Springs running community. Deena, Andrew, and their friends in Mammoth Springs have donated more than a hundred pairs of shoes in like-new condition to Share Our Soles.
From her initial support for S.O.S. over two years ago to her active role in Share Our Soles today, Deena truly has -- and continues to -- make a difference. We cannot thank Deena enough for her genuine kindness and generous spirit.
To learn more about Deena, and the many people she helps and inspires, please visit
DeenaKastor.com.
Mike and Bob Bryan
"If you don't make an effort to help those less fortunate than you are, then you're wasting your life."
The Bryan Bros. have been the No. 1 doubles team on the ATP World Tour five times in the last seven years. They have won fifty-seven career titles, including eight Grand Slams. The Bros. also earned the Bronze Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
But Mike and Bob are even greater champions off the court. When they learned that ten-year-old Shigeki Sumitani was battling cancer, the No. 1-ranked doubles team sent their No. 1 fan signed tennis balls and hats, rackets and shirts, shoes and CDs and emails -- and love.
The Bryan Bros. similarly sent signed posters, pictures, rackets, and their DVD to Siki, who, like her friend Shigeki, was confined to a hospital before passing away at far too young of an age.
Mike and Bob honor Shigeki and Siki's memories by dedicating matches to them on the court, and by continuing to give and give and give off the court.
In 2008, for instance, the two created "The Bryan Brothers Foundation," continuing their long tradition of helping others. The kick-off event for their charity, "The Bryan Brothers' All-Star Tennis Smash," raised over $100,000.
Indeed, Mike and Bob prove that serving others is more powerful and lasting than any tennis serve or tournament win. Share Our Soles thanks the Bryan Bros. for being such generous contributors and such positive role models.
Please support the Mike and Bob like they have supported S.O.S. and visit
their official website.
Wayne Bryan
"Keep up the great work, Greg and Share Our Soles!"
Wayne Bryan, father of Mike and Bob Bryan, is a highly accomplished motivational speaker, coach, athlete, author, and musician. Wayne's love for tennis, love for music, love for helping others, and overarching love of life are manifest in his characteristic enthusiasm and mega positive attitude.
A dynamic speaker and coach, Wayne hosts tennis clinics and emcees various events. He also coaches the Sacramento Capitals in World Team Tennis, and was named the WTT Coach of the Year three years in a row from 2004 to 2006.
Wayne is also an author of
Raising Your Child to Be a Champion in Athletics, Arts, and Academics, which is available on
amazon.com and
barnesandnoble.com.
We at Share Our Soles cannot adequately thank Wayne or his wife, Kathy, for their constant support since S.O.S.'s conception, as well as for their tireless efforts to inspire, educate, and help others.
Sports Gift
"Giving Kids Sports, Globally."
Sports Gift is a non-profit organization that collects, refurbishes, and then distributes new and gently used sports equipment to underprivileged children throughout the world.
While Sports Gift partners with many clubs and organizations, it specifically aims work closely with schools and youth leagues to offer community service programs to America’s youth and promote the joy found in helping others.
Since it was founded in 2002, Sports Gift has distributed thousands of sports equipment items to underprivileged youth in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Africa, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
We encourage you to learn more about Sports Gift and the many communities it benefits:
www.SportsGift.org.
DeFeet International
"Made for Driven Soles."
DeFeet was founded in 1992 as a company dedicated to craftsmanship. More specifically, DeFeet strives to create the best performing and longest lasting athletic socks.
Today, DeFeet has a state-of-the-art factory in the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, where it proudly produces socks and athletic accessories for everyone, from world-class cyclists to recreational runners.
In addition to being good for your feet, DeFeet socks are also good for the earth. Indeed, DeFeet is known for its sustainable products and for promoting environmentally sound practices through the DeFeet "Decrease your footprint" initiative.
DeFeet has partnered with Share Our Soles in designing and producing custom S.O.S. socks. What is more, DeFeet has generously donated socks to Share Our Soles to help us send a pair of socks with each pair of shoes we donate.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with DeFeet and working to further share with those "driven soles" in need worldwide.
To learn more about DeFeet's environmentally friendly and high quality products, please visit
www.DeFeet.com.
Enphorma
"Ocio, salud y deporte."
Enphorma is a Spanish company that specializes in promoting Sports events, mainly triathlons. Enphorma commits itself to an annual athletic shoe collection campaign to benefit S.O.S.
To learn more about Enphorma, their philosophy about sport, and their support for Share Our Soles, please visit
enphorma.com.