MDRT Members Support Soles4Souls

Members of the Million Dollar Round Table raised more than $176,000 to support the charities funded by the MDRT Foundation’s global grant programs at the 2011 MDRT Annual Meeting. The MDRT Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant and collected more than 3,500 pairs of shoes for donation to the international charitable shoe organization, Soles4Souls. The partnership between the MDRT Foundation and Soles4Souls at this year’s MDRT Annual Meeting, which was held from June 5 to June 8 in Atlanta, encouraged members to unite for a common cause – helping to collectively make a difference, one pair of shoes at a time.

MDRT members donated shoes at the Soles4Souls smart car onsite at the Annual Meeting and contributed monetary donations at the MDRT Foundation booth.

In addition, about 1,200 MDRT members attended the Soles4Souls benefit concert featuring Michael Franti & Spearhead, where admission was a pair of new or gently used shoes. Together, more than 5,500 MDRT attendees, who jointly represented 59 countries, helped Soles4Souls move closer to achieving its goal.

“Through the gift of shoes, MDRT members demonstrated their genuine caring and compassion for helping those less fortunate around the world. The partnership between Soles4Souls and MDRT at this year’s Annual Meeting encouraged commonality among its global members for a worthy cause, while enabling Soles4Souls to expand its efforts and improve more lives,” said MDRT Foundation President Robelynn H. Abadie, LUTCF, RFC.

As part of the Soles4Souls partnership, MDRT board members also participated in a shoe distribution at the Atlanta Mission, a homeless shelter for men, where 1,000 pairs of new shoes were given to local residents.

“One of the most rewarding experiences of the Annual Meeting was at the Atlanta Mission, where it became my mission to fit a gentleman with a pair of work boots. He felt empowered to gain employment as an iron worker again, and his thank you letter was incredibly touching,” said MDRT Foundation President Abadie.

“Our mission is to help alleviate the discomfort and struggle that comes with never having owned a pair of shoes. The generous contributions of MDRT members will undoubtedly touch the lives of many and help us make a strong impact in the lives of others,” said Wayne Elsey, Soles4Souls founder and CEO.