TOMS attendees stand for ‘One Day Without Shoes’

It was 52 degrees, dark and stormy, and Dunn Meadow grass felt cool under tattooed soles.

“I’m freezing, I’ve been out here for hours,” senior and event coordinator Joseph Fathalla said but remained barefoot in solidarity for children without shoes.

Tuesday was TOMS “One Day Without Shoes,” and TOMS Shoes Club at IU organized a fundraiser to raise awareness for the TOMS cause, a company that matches every pair of TOMS purchased with a pair of shoes donated to a child in need.

“We want to appreciate how fortunate we are to have clothes and shoes, to recognize kids in third-world countries and bring awareness to people in the community,” Fathalla said.

Individuals had “Ask Me About My Feet” tattooed on sneaker-less toes, and TOMS blue-and-white-stickers-decorated jackets. The Main Squeeze played a benefit concert, and Kilroy’s held a pre-party event for attendees. About 50 pairs of shoes were donated, and IU slippers and  Nike Kicks all cluttered a bin by the stage. The event was sponsored by Kilroy’s, Deloitte, Kaplan, Mr. Copy and Real Event Enterprises. Tradehome Shoes also helped with the fundraiser and promised to refurbish all old soles. 

“When we take a moment to appreciate what we have, we can realize what others have not,” Fathalla said. “This event allowed us to do just that by bringing awareness to those in need and helping us overcome greed of the things we no longer need.”

Senior Amanda Skul said she likes TOMS’ work in the local and global community, as well. Skul is Vice President of TOMS Shoes Club at IU, an apparel major and believes there are so many clothing companies that are only in business for money that it makes her feel good to support the TOMS cause.

“It’s not really about trend or style, it’s more about changing the world,” Skul said.

Fathalla agreed and said he was proud of the work they did.

“We got a lot of donations, shoes, awareness,” he said. “I think tonight was a success.”