FootSmart supports the American Diabetes Association
Diabetes is a large, growing problem in the United States, and foot complications
associated with diabetes lead to over 80,000 foot amputations each year. FootSmart
supports the American Diabetes Association because of our mission to be the best
source for foot and lower body health products that meet the health and lifestyle
needs of baby boomers and seniors. Through our market research, we know that diabetes
affects about 12% of our customers, and we want to do our part to battle this disease,
which has a great impact on our customers and their families.
FootSmart is a proud sponsor of the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Fight
to Stop Diabetes program, and has teams participating in the two walks in the Atlanta
area in 2011.
In 2010, FootSmart contributed over $150,000 to the American Diabetes Association
through customer donations and its own corporate contributions. FootSmart partnered
with 11Alive, the Atlanta,
Georgia NBC affiliate, to promote the Atlanta Step Out program in an integrated
TV and online media effort.
Learn more about
the American Diabetes Association
The Podiatry Institute Children's Medical Mission Program
FootSmart has teamed with The Podiatry Institute to bring podiatric medical and
surgical care to needy children worldwide.
The Podiatry Institute, a non-profit, educational foundation committed to improving
quality of life for individuals with foot, ankle and leg disorders, organizes groups
of volunteer doctors and assistants to diagnose and provide free treatment for lower
body health problems of children living in Central and South American countries,
Mexico, Nepal and Vietnam.
Since the first FootSmart sponsored mission to Guatemala in November 1999, there
have been over a dozen mission trips to Central and South America alone.
Doctors evaluated 116 children at each of the most recent missions to El Savador,
performing surgeries such as idiopathic clubfoot, residual and revisional clubfoot,
cerebral palsy, verticle talus, tarsal coalition and other complex surgeries. While
the operating rooms were hot and humid, the equipment often makeshift, and supplies
and instruments not always exact, the team made the best of every situation, and
ultimately changed many young lives for the better.
Local physicians will provide follow-up care for these patients.
Learn
More about The Podiatry Institute
FootSmart donated over 13,000 pairs of shoes to the Memphis Metropolitan Interfaith
Association (MIFA) in 2010
MIFA works to unite the diverse community in Memphis to address the challenges of
poverty. Since its founding in 1968, the organization has engaged the community
to sustain the independence of seniors, transform the lives of families in crisis,
and equip teens for success. Footwear donated by FootSmart is given to those in
need who come to MIFA for assistance. Each year, approximately 2,300 seniors receive
hot lunches five days a week, 25,000 adults and children visit Emergency Services
for temporary help during a crisis, and 450 individuals live in MIFA housing and
take part in life skills programs.
Learn more
about MIFA
Benchmark Brands, Inc. is investing in the leaders of tomorrow through the Georgia
Executive Women's Network Scholarship Fund.
The Georgia Executive Women's Network (GEWN), founded in 1980, is a membership organization
of executive-level women. GEWN promotes the professional and personal growth of
its members, and contributes to the development, leadership and accomplishments
of women.
For the second year in a row, Benchmark Brands is proud to sponsor a GEWN Scholarship
for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Scholarships are awarded to female, non-traditional, full-time students attending
or planning to attend a metropolitan Atlanta accredited college or university in
a four-year undergraduate program of study. A non-traditional student is defined
as a student who is 24+ years of age and demonstrates exceptional leadership potential,
excellent communication skills and a commitment to career and community. Applicants
must have completed a minimum of one year of college and have a grade point average
of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Learn more about the Georgia Executive Women’s Network and this year’s scholarship
winners