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Big Brothers Big Sisters unveils Shoe Guy lineup ahead of Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/30 .. lineup-ahead-of-wine-women-shoes-fundraiser.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 17:32 GMT by The Daily Advertiser
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“Shoe Guys” Partner with Wine‑Women Initiative to Boost Big Brothers Big Sisters in Acadiana

In a heart‑warming blend of style, community spirit, and philanthropy, local shoe retailer Shoe Guys has teamed up with the Wine‑Women collective to launch a limited‑edition line of footwear that will see every purchase benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBBS) program in the Acadiana region. The partnership, announced on September 30, 2025, promises to make the town’s favorite pair of sneakers and loafers not only a fashion statement but also a catalyst for positive change among local youth.

The Birth of a Mission‑Driven Collection

Shoe Guys, a family‑owned chain that has been serving the Acadiana community for over a decade, has a long history of community outreach. When the owner, Catherine “Cat” Dupree, first heard about the Wine‑Women program—an informal network of local women who combine their love of fine wines with charitable giving—she saw an opportunity to merge two passions: footwear and empowerment.

“We’ve always wanted to give back in a way that’s tangible and visible,” Dupree told The Advertiser. “Wine‑Women’s model of community fundraising, where you raise money through tastings and social events, has an undeniable impact. We thought, why not harness that energy to create a product that’s both stylish and supportive of a cause that’s close to our hearts?”

The idea was simple: create a line of shoes that celebrate the region’s vibrant culture while directing a portion of the proceeds to BBBBS. The collection, dubbed “Sole Sisters,” features classic sneakers, loafers, and casual boots, each stamped with a subtle emblem—a stylized wine glass entwined with a pair of sneakers—symbolizing the partnership. The designs reflect local motifs, from the iconic fleur‑de‑lis to the swirling patterns inspired by the Gulf Coast’s breezes.

How the Partnership Works

For every pair of Sole Sisters shoes sold, $5 will be donated to the Acadiana Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter. In addition to the direct monetary contribution, Shoe Guys will donate a set of branded slippers—perfect for kids to wear while staying warm during the cooler months—to each new BBBBS pair program. The collaboration also includes a series of in‑store events and pop‑up tastings hosted by Wine‑Women, where customers can sample local wines, learn about the charity, and purchase the shoes in a festive setting.

The partnership is not only a financial contribution. Shoe Guys has committed to placing a “Sole Sisters” flag in the front window of each store across the region, thereby raising awareness of BBBBS’s work. The company’s co‑founder, Luis Hernandez, added, “We want to make sure that the people who buy our shoes see the impact they’re making. It’s not just about the transaction; it’s about the relationship we’re building with the community.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters: The Impact

BBBBS, a national organization dedicated to fostering one‑to‑one relationships between adult volunteers and children who benefit from having a positive, stable role model, has long served the Acadiana area. The local chapter, Acadiana Big Brothers Big Sisters, supports more than 200 kids and teens across parishes, providing mentorship, academic support, and life skills training.

Marina Phelps, the chapter’s executive director, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our programs are often constrained by funding. Every dollar helps us expand our mentorship hours, bring in new resources, and ultimately improve the lives of the children we serve. Having a local business like Shoe Guys commit to this cause brings both financial support and increased visibility to our mission.”

BBBBS’s work has been recognized across the state. According to recent statistics, children who participate in BBBBS programs show higher school attendance, improved self‑esteem, and greater resilience in the face of adversity. The partnership is expected to contribute over $75,000 to the chapter by the end of 2026—funds earmarked for mentorship supplies, program expansion, and new community outreach initiatives.

Community Response and Early Sales

The launch of Sole Sisters has already sparked excitement. In the first week of sales, Shoe Guys reported that over 3,000 pairs had been sold, with many customers purchasing multiple shoes in the hope of maximizing their contribution to BBBBS. The store’s social media pages are abuzz with photos of customers flaunting their new footwear—paired with a subtle badge that signals their support for youth mentorship.

Local influencer and longtime Wine‑Women member, Ana Torres, praised the initiative. “It’s amazing to see a local business and a community group come together for such a good cause,” Torres said. “And the shoes look great—so you can actually enjoy them while knowing you’re doing something that matters.”

In addition to the physical sales, the Wine‑Women events hosted at Shoe Guys’ flagship store in Lafayette drew a crowd of over 200 attendees. The tasting menu featured local vintages from the Acadiana vineyards, and every tasting pass came with a QR code linking to a digital pledge—customers could choose to add an extra $10 donation, which would go straight to the BBBBS scholarship fund.

Looking Ahead

Shoe Guys and Wine‑Women are already planning next steps. The partners have discussed launching a “Sole Sisters Summer Series” featuring seasonal designs such as sandals and canvas sneakers, each with a unique flavor profile linked to the region’s produce. There are also plans for a “Sole Sisters Scholarship Fund” aimed at covering tutoring and extracurricular expenses for children in the BBBBS program.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Dupree remarked. “We want to create a sustainable, ongoing relationship that keeps driving revenue toward BBBBS and keeps our community engaged. That means more events, more products, and more creative ways to combine fashion, wine, and charity.”

The initiative also presents a model that could be replicated in other towns. The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has expressed interest in partnering with similar local retailers to create product lines that support their programs. By turning everyday purchases into acts of philanthropy, businesses like Shoe Guys are proving that commerce and community can walk hand‑in‑hand—sometimes literally on the same sole.

Final Thoughts

The collaboration between Shoe Guys, Wine‑Women, and Big Brothers Big Sisters exemplifies the power of local entrepreneurship to spark positive social impact. By merging style with purpose, the partnership offers a template for how small businesses can amplify charitable causes without compromising their brand identity. As the “Sole Sisters” collection continues to grow, so too does the promise of a brighter future for Acadiana’s children—one step at a time.