Published: August 27, 2008 12:05 am      

High Heel-A-Thon to benefit shoe program

Ashland — High heel shoes and 50-yard dashes won’t be in the next Olympics.

But on Thursday two local organizations — Choices and Changes and For Jamie’s Sake — will co-sponsor a High Heel-A-Thon to raise money to buy shoes for children in foster care and independent living programs in the area.

The idea came from Brandi Harris, a senior at Lindsay Wilson College’s professional counseling program and an intern at Choices and Changes.

Harris knows firsthand about some of the needs of foster children.

“My immediate family took in foster kids about a year ago and when they came to us, they had nothing,” she said. “We went to For Jamie’s Sake and they gave the Luggage of Love with the duffle bags full of clothes.”

There will be benefit races at Chuck Woolery Boulevard in Central Park around noon. If it’s raining, the races will be Sept. 4.

Harris said the races are in good fun and hopefully there will not be any sprained ankles.

“It’s not that competitive,” she said. “We want people to come out and vote for their favorite.”

Contestants will pay to run in 3-inch high heels or fans can make a donation for their favorite runner.

Harris said the idea for the High Heel-A-Thon wasn’t her own. She said celebrity Kelly Ripa had a similar competition that was successful.

Shoe donations or monetary contributions will also be accepted.

Those interested in participating may call Harris at (606) 326-8206 or Lea Ann Gollihue at For Jamie’s Sake at (606) 327-5511.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.