“Heels that Heal”
Shoes & Charity Equals Shoe Frenzy 2007
In the early hours of Saturday, May 19, several hundred women snaked around Veterans Memorial Complex Auditorium, Los Angeles, for the annual event known as “Shoe Frenzy.” Featuring over 5,500 pairs of donated designer shoes, boots, sandals, and slippers, the venue is converted into a virtual shoe warehouse lasting a few hours and ending by noon. During this timeframe shoppers enter “in a calm fashion” as his/her lottery ticket numbers are called, much like a number system at a deli. L.A.P.D. officers are on hand for “security reasons”. The booty: Uggs, BeBe, Nine West, Michael Kors, Dansko, and Calvin Klein to name a few of the generous donors. No pair is over $50 but our team seized $30 Ugg mules and $15 Killah and M.O.D. wedges to name a few. Other “deals” included two pairs of children’s shoes for $5. To put that in perspective, you can buy a pair of shoes for roughly the price of a cappuccino.
In addition to this fabulousness, ALL proceeds go directly to the Women’s Clinic & Family Counseling Center. Admission is free and for $1 you are entered into a drawing for a giant gift bag which this year included a satellite cable package, passes to museum events, movie tickets, yoga accessories, a spa gift, jewelry, and various popular DVDs.
Another reason for the police enforcement–this year’s promotions read the following: “By attending this event, I acknowledge that shoe shopping can be an
inherent strenuous activity and that no event is without risk. I also acknowledge that when high quality footwear is heavily discounted, shoe shoppers can become overly zealous, and may run, push or shove. I have consulted with my physician regarding physical capability to participate in this event.” We didn’t experience anything near hysteria–just satisfied shoppers trying on shoes.
The Women’s Clinic & Family Counseling Center offers medical services such as annual exams, birth control and family planning services, therapy and counseling services by licensed physicians and marriage/family therapists. Special programs offered include support groups and workshops. The services are administered in a private doctor’s office atmosphere with a caring, astute staff.
For more information about the event, the Center, and how to participate in Shoe Frenzy 2008: www.shoefrenzy.net andwww.womens-clinic.org.
Reviewed by Pamela Heath
