The 4EveryKid initiative helps Broward County youth get paired with properly fitted shoes to improve focus, grades and fitness.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 8, 2026) – Every student at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale has an extra spring in their step after receiving a new pair of name-brand athletic shoes, socks and books through the 4EveryKid initiative led by Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, and Soles4Souls.

Volunteers from Rick Case Cares, Children's Services Council of Broward County, Bealls, United Way of Broward County, UKG and Broward County Property Appraiser's Office helped almost 300 students find the perfect fit.

“Kids grow so fast and that sometimes puts a financial strain on families to keep up. Sixty-nine percent of students expressed difficulty focusing in the classroom due to improper footwear. Shoes should never interfere with their learning and concentration,” said Case, who founded the 4EveryKid program in Broward County with Soles4Souls. “We not only encourage all children to get a proper education, but to also remain physically fit. New sneakers that fit properly can help achieve both.”

Rita and her husband Rick got involved with Soles4Souls in 2013. They began by providing coats and shoes for children at Boys & Girls Clubs in Broward County. Since becoming the founding sponsor and chief fundraiser for 4EveryKid Broward in Spring 2022, Rita has raised more than $575,000, which is enough to ensure all kids who face housing insecurity in Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) receive one new pair of shoes and socks every year for five years. At events like this one, the generosity goes beyond those specific students to include the entire school population.

Soles4Souls is a global nonprofit that has distributed more than 550,000 pairs of shoes nationwide through the 4EveryKid program. Since Fall 2022, the organization has provided 15,849 pairs of shoes through the 4EveryKid program in Broward County in partnership with organizations such as BCPS Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART) and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

After receiving new shoes, more than 95% of kids increased their physical activity, felt more equal to their peers and were more excited to participate in school. The free footwear helps parents and guardians allocate their budgets towards other essential expenses.

The 4EveryKid sneaker giveaway was made possible thanks to generous partners including Rita Case, Rick Case Automotive Group, Children's Services Council of Broward County, UKG, United Way of Broward County, Channel 7 Foundation, The Cathy and James Donnelly Fund, and Rotary Club of Weston.

About The Rick Case Automotive Group

Founded in 1962, the Rick Case Automotive Group has been honored by Automotive News as the National All-Star Dealer and President and CEO Rita Case was named the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. Rick Case Automotive Group is the nation’s largest female owned and operated automotive dealer group in America, offering Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Ioniq, Volkswagen, Kia, Acura, Audi, Mazda, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Honda Motorcycles and E-Z-Go golf carts. Celebrating more than 60 years in business, the Rick Case Automotive Group has 12 dealerships in South Florida and Georgia. The South Florida dealerships are known for holding national sales records, consistently ranking among the top performers in markets they serve. Rick Case Automotive Group is headquartered at 14500 W. Sunrise Blvd. in Sunrise, Florida. For more information, visit www.RickCase.com.

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls creates opportunity for people through shoes and clothing. Through four key programs—4Opportunity, 4Relief, 4EveryKid, and Solutions4Good—the organization drives measurable impact across economic development, education, health, and sustainability. Since 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 112 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing in 139 countries. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the nonprofit operates Regional Donation Centers and warehouses worldwide. For more information, visit soles4souls.org.

 

Show Other Stories