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 had 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. FootSmart continues to be a key sponsor in Georgia for the ADA.

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 Salvador, 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 10,000 pairs of shoes to the Memphis Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) in 2011

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 third year in a row, Benchmark Brands is proud to sponsor a GEWN Scholarship for the 2012-2013 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.

For more information and to get an application please contact the GEWN Scholarship Chairperson, JoAnn Penovi at jpenovi@comcast.net.

Applications for the 2012-2013 academic year will be available February 20, 2012. Deadline for submitting an application is April 15, 2012

Learn More about the Georgia Executive Women's Network