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Share the Spirit Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2003 by sisters-in-law Karen Voepel and Tonya Voepel.

Our mission is to provide new shoes and socks to underserved children. We create a one-on-one shopping experience with a caring volunteer where the child can select their own new shoes. We believe this instills a sense of independence, pride and joy.

Share the Spirit Foundation is strictly a volunteer organization and 100% of all proceeds go toward providing the basic need of shoes and socks to children in need.

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Jun. 23, 2023 | Our Friday Uncorked Fundraiser in Springfield, Illinois was a great way to celebrate 20 years of Share the Spirit Foundation. We are so grateful for all who came out to support us and especially want to thank Thornhill Band for donating amazing entertainment!

Dec. 9, 2022 | ALL 75 students at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Springfield, IL  got a special treat when they picked out their own brand new pair of shoes and socks! We are so grateful for our donors, volunteers and Shoe Carnival who make this possible.

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Oct. 28, 2022 | "Many of them have not even had a new pair of shoes," said Julie Weichert, Share the Spirit board member. "Maybe they were handed down in their family and for them to be able to pick out the shoes they want gives them such joy. It's very heartwarming and instills a sense of dignity and empowerment."

Sep. 13, 2022 | This Shoes for Kids event was held at the Community Center in Vilas, Colorado since the school is being renovated.  The community center served as a great gathering place for all the kids and volunteers.  It was another successful event with many happy kids.

May 15, 2022 | Raising money for shoes for kids! It was a fine day for a wine tasting at our Sunday Uncorked fundraiser at The Corkscrew in Springfield, IL ... we had a wonderful day enjoying the music of the Jay Larson Band and tasting wines from all regions.

May 13, 2022 | This was our first Harvard Park Elementary event funded by the Tracy Family Foundation. There were many highlights, including two separate visits from the Springfield Fire Department. They handed out stickers,  talked to the students and let them climb the stairs for a peek into the cab.

May 7, 2022 |  A Day at the Races in Southeast Colorado was our Derby-themed fundraiser. Attendees enjoyed bites of prime rib, pulled pork, ribs and brisket enjoying the music of Little Town. All bets were on the mice races and the live Derby broadcast.

Share the Spirit has helped
20,191
kids & families ... and still counting!

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Photo Gallery 2022-2023

• Shoes for Lamar, CO
  
• Shoes for Lincoln Community High School - Lincoln, IL
  
• Shoes for Owen Marsh - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Vilas, CO
• GOTR - Dubois Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Four Rivers - Jacksonville, IL
• Shoes for LaVeta, CO
• Cornhole Fundraiser - Lamar, CO
• Friday Uncorked Fundraiser - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Ft. Lyon, CO
• Shoes for Early Learning Center  - Springfield, IL
• Just for Kids Head Start - Jacksonville, IL
• Southeastern Developmental Services - Lamar, CO
• Shoes for CKLECC - Eads, CO
• Tracy Family Foundation Funding - Harvard Park Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Springfield Frozen Open
• Shoes for Ft. Lyon, CO
• Shoes for Owen Marsh Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for St. Patrick's Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Cheyenne Wells, CO
• Shoes for Matheny-Withrow & Jane Addams Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Lamar CO Area Schools
• Shoes for Vilas, CO
• Back to School Dist. 186 - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Early Learning Center - Springfield, IL
• Sunday Uncorked Fundraiser - Springfield, IL
• Bags Tourney - Springfield, IL
• Tracy Family Foundation Funding - Harvard Park Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Ft. Lyon, CO
• Tracy Family Foundation Funding - Girls on the Run Team - Harvard Park Elementary - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Limon, CO

Photo Gallery 2021

• Eastern Colorado Bank Grant Funding - Shoes for Cheyenne Wells, Burlington and Sheridan Lake, CO
• Shoes for Vilas, CO
• Shoes for Feitshans Elementary, Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Kids - Denver, CO
• Shoes for 14 Area Schools, Lamar, CO
• Sip & Savor Fall Fiesta Fundraiser - Springfield, IL
• Back to School Shoes - Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Early Learning Center -  Springfield, IL
• Shoes for Ft. Lyon, CO

[See Photo Gallery Archives]