Barefoot for Barefeet 2016-17

Barefoot for Barefeet, held in O’ Wayne Rollins Center on February 2nd at 6 p.m. is a fundraiser where the women’s basketball coach Melissa Irvin and the competing coaches will coach barefoot; in hopes of bringing about awareness of the children’s needs in the Whitely county area.

 “We go barefoot for one game for approximately two hours, to represent the kids who have to wear very used shoes or no shoes at times. I believe that should be our focus above all else; to be active in finding new ways to do anything we can do to help the children,” said Coach Irvin.

2012 UC Women's Basketball Team ready for Barefoot for Barefeet Fund raiser. 

Photo by: UC Sports Information

Beginning on a national level, about six years ago the University was offered a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet to do similar fundraising. Coach Irvin said, “We just jumped on the opportunity because not only were we helping nationally but specifically helping locally too. It is now an entirely local project. Our goal was to focus on our region which was a low income area because we wanted to support them as much as possible.”

The Barefoot for Barefeet fund raiser precedes the actual event called, “Shoes 4 the Soul.” It’s a full circle operation, from bare feet awareness to the washing of feet and purchasing of new shoes, book bags, supplies, and socks.

Last year the University of the Cumberlands served over 500 Whitely County elementary and middle school students. This year they expect to serve at least those students plus more. Jasmine Newport, director of Application Ministries and the associate campus minister said, “We plan to serve Whitely North, Whitley East, Boston, Pleasant View again and Williamsburg Independent School for the first time.”

As the campus is preparing for this outreach one can’t help but notice the amount of effort put forth by so many here at UC. Coach Irvin said, “Our participation in this event is expanding from primarily athletes, to student services and even to Appalachian Mountain Outreach. A.M. is actually taking control this year and expanding an invitation to all upcoming Freshman to serve at Shoes 4 the Soul.”

Brandon Hensely the athletic radio and video coordinator at UC, who is responsible for filming this event said, “I am eager to see this outreach grow and succeed.”

Graphic by: UC Sports Information 

Barefoot for Barefeet and Shoes for the Soul is more than just an outreach. Hensley states, “I would encourage others to get involved to help evolve this event into something bigger than it is.”

Similarly, Newport said, “Although this event only happens once a year, I see these kids twice a week through A.M. I see where they come from, their need for clothing and the lack of Christmas presents. This event is something they can look forward too. I feel the kids need this support from the University.”

The tip off for the UC women’s basketball team will be 6 p.m. sharp Thursday, February 2, 2017. Once inside the O’ Wayne Rollins Center, Newport will be accepting cash donation as well as shoe donations. Newport will be located floor level at the base of the stage nearest to the swimming pool window.

To support UC in their outreach of Barefoot for Barefeet online donations can also be made at http://www.ucumberlands.edu/shoes4soul.