By Matt Wiley
Nearly two years after the sudden and tragic death of Patrick Strom, “Trick’s Kicks,” the charity created in his honor, has made its first shoe donation to a Thonotosassa organization for less fortunate children.
On April 1, which would have been Patrick’s 21st birthday, Trick’s Kicks donated more than $1,200 in the form of 28 pairs of current-style Nike athletic shoes to the children of Everyday Blessings, Inc., a residence that takes care of kids from newborn to 17 years old from all economic backgrounds and ethnic groups, who have been displaced from their previous home due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.
“I think Patrick would have been thrilled to see the smiles on all of the kids’ faces,” says Kathy Strom of her son. “He was a sneaker fanatic. He used to actually camp out outside the mall and wait for the new shoes to arrive.”
Patrick’s family — which includes his father Dick and brother Michael, live in the Kingshyre community of New Tampa. The Stroms began the 501(c)(3) nonprofit back in August and worked with St. Petersburg-based Gulfshore Sports and Nike representative Shawna Toy to secure the shoes at cost.
“Mike & Matt McKenna from Gulfshore reached out to us,” Kathy explains. “They wanted to help.”
Trick’s Kicks president Kelly Aronson says that Everyday Blessings was chosen because it was a small enough group that they could customize the shoes for each child and feel like they really made a difference in the lives of the children. The charity went as far to even ask for each child’s shoe size and favorite color.
“The kids were so appreciative and excited,” Aronson says.
Everyday Blessings development director Pam Bell agrees that the donation was a success.
“What a magical blessing for each child to receive a new pair of sneakers to call their very own,” Bell wrote in a note to the Stroms. “From our youngest child at two years old to our oldest teen at 17, their faces were beaming with happiness, amazement and appreciation for giving and showing them such love while in such a difficult time in your lives.”
Trick’s Kicks already is organizing another charity event in the form of an inaugural golf tournament, to be held in October at Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club, located off Cross Creek Blvd. “Trick’s Kicks” already is selling hole sponsorships for that tournament now.
For more information about the charity and golf tourney, please visit TricksKicks.com.
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