LeBron James may currently be in Orlando. But Akron, Ohio, never seems to be far from the Los Angeles Lakers superstar's mind.
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So perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that even as he prepares for the upcoming NBA Playoffs, James is launching a one-of-a-kind fundraiser to benefit his I PROMISE School in his hometown.
In conjunction with Upper Deck and the LeBron James Family Foundation, the 4-time NBA MVP will be auctioning off game-worn pairs of his size 15 Nike signature shoes. Winners of the auction will receive one of the shoes, along with a certificate of authenticity and a special I PROMISE School donor appreciation card. The other shoe will go up on the ‘Wall of Shoes’ inside the lobby of the school, along with a personalized donor plaque.
According to a release, all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit ‘I Promise’ initiatives, which include year-round access to the school’s family resource center, community food pantry, unemployment services, legal aid, medical and mental health support, and a GED program for parents. Funds will also benefit the I Promise Village, which serves as transitional housing for students and families currently battling homelessness.
“This is about more than just getting kids to school. This is about keeping them alive,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We’re seeing families struggling every day with very real and often unexpected issues that turn their worlds upside down. It’s our mission to listen and learn about those needs and respond with real, meaningful resources that set their entire families up for success. This work is a commitment for a lifetime, and we know we can’t do it alone.”
The full collection of shoes up for auction can be found here.