Monday

07-28-2025 Vol 2035

Shoes for Scholars Hosts Inaugural Smarts’N Strides 5K Run & Walk in Las Vegas

The Shoes for Scholars nonprofit organization is set to host its first-ever Smarts’N Strides 5K Run & Walk on September 20 at Town Square Las Vegas, located at 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd. This exciting event aims to support the mission of educating and empowering middle school students in Title 1 and low-income schools by providing them with new, brand-name shoes through various incentive programs.

Founder of Shoes for Scholars, May Kane, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We’re beyond excited for our upcoming walk as community members, students, and parents can all join and walk to help raise vital funds for our students.”

Kane emphasized the importance of providing students with new shoes, highlighting, “It’s amazing what a new pair of shoes can do, and with each stride we take, we move closer to ensuring every student begins their journey with dignity and confidence. Every step helps to put a brand new pair of shoes on a student ready to chase their dream.”

The Smarts’N Strides 5K Run & Walk is sponsored by The 702 Firm Injury Attorneys and welcomes participants of all speeds, whether running, walking, or leisurely strolling with their pets. The event encourages the community to come out and support this vital cause, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fundraising.

Registration for the event has been opened, and participants are encouraged to sign up before the early bird deadline of September 7. The event will kick off with registration at 7:00 AM alongside a Family Resource Fair, featuring complimentary orange juice and candied bacon, plus a $10 dining card from Lazy Dog Town Square.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:45 AM, with entertainment provided by DJ Dr. RB, who balances his role as principal at a Shoes for Scholars partner school by day and as a DJ by night. The official start of the 5K Run/Walk will take place at 8:00 AM, with participants receiving a delicious doughnut from Pinkbox Doughnuts upon crossing the finish line.

The event is expected to conclude around 10:00 AM, at which time participants are encouraged to dine at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, with the option of taking food to go. By mentioning Shoes for Scholars, the restaurant will donate 15% of the meal price back to the organization.

For those interested in participating, team captain registration is $25, with fees of $30 for adults aged 13 and older, and $20 for kids aged 12 and under. Students enrolled in participating schools are permitted to register free of charge. Full details on registration, fundraising, and sponsorship opportunities can be found at ShoesForScholars.org.

This inaugural walk follows the success of the organization’s annual golf tournament, which will return for a third year on August 25 at Red Rock Country Club. Registration for the golf tournament is nearing completion, with limited spots available for groups and individual players.

With a shotgun start set for 8:30 AM following a 7:00 AM registration and breakfast, the tournament will culminate in a buffet lunch, raffle, and awards ceremony at 1:00 PM. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up at ShoesForScholars.org/events, as spots are limited.

image source from:nonprofitnews

Charlotte Hayes