A charitable initiative from Ridgefield, Darien and Brookfield Running Companies working with every school in Bridgeport, CT to get new, properly sized running shoes for their student-athletes.
In 2021, Jeremy Susi and Mina Rasmussen introduced me to the Bassick High School Cross Country Team. 13 runners strong, these athletes signed up for a sport that most hadn't even heard of, mostly because it was a safe place to be after school.
Bassick High School is in Bridgeport, CT, once the crown jewel of Fairfield County. Today 26% of the population in Bridgeport lives below the poverty line. As for the rest of the community, most hover right around it.
Jeremy and Mina reached out to me last year because their athletes needed shoes. They were looking for "whatever we had." With the support of brands like Brooks, Feetures and Superfeet, we were able to put these athletes in new shoes. Last year, they competed in their own cross country meet, and this year, the athletes competed at the FCIACS.
Because of Jeremy and Mina, Ridgefield Running Company kicked off the Kicks for Kids program in 2022. Every season, we send a packet to each coach in the FCIAC, with a certificate to give to an athlete to receive shoes and spikes from us for free. In 2024, we're expanding Kicks for Kids to serve many more student-athletes who need well-fitting, brand new sneakers.
- Megan Searfoss, Founder and Owner of Ridgefield, Darien and Brookfield Running Companies
Please add "Kicks for Kids" in the notes when making a donation to Bridgeport Field of Dreams.
In 2024 and beyond, Ridgefield, Darien and Brookfield Running Companies are working with all of the schools in Bridgeport, where there is the greatest need to get new, properly sized running shoes for athletes. With this program, we give back to our local community and equip the runners of future generations so they can move #ForwardTogether.
And, you now have the chance to give back too! When you come into our stores, there will be a sneaker with a QR code for you to scan and make a donation to contribute to the Bridgeport Kicks for Kids program. Prefer to donate right now? That works too. Just click any "GIVE BACK" button on this page to donate at home or on the go.
Please add "Kicks for Kids" in the notes when making a donation to Bridgeport Field of Dreams.