The fourth annual Walk a Mile in My Shoes… Sale for mental wellness was a big success for 2014. The event raised over $100,000 with in-kind donations, sponsorships and shoe sales on January 24 and 25 inside Arvest Ballpark. The auxiliary collected over 4,500 new or almost new shoes and purses from the best stores and closets in Northwest Arkansas. Shoes for men and women were sold for $10 each, purses for $10, children’s shoes for $5 apiece and the designer corner for $20. There was no charge to get into the sale. Over 3,000 people were involved in the event by collecting, donating or shopping. Sam’s Club SVP of Merchandise Services Seong Ohm was the honorary host of the event.

The purpose of the event was to highlight mental health challenges in Northwest Arkansas and how they touch all of us at some point in our lives. “We want to encourage people to “Join the Journey” for Mental Wellness Awareness. Shoes were selected because of the personal symbolism of shoes and the journey that individuals’ experience when dealing with a mental health challenge. We want to thank our auxiliary, boards, sponsors and volunteers for supporting this wonderful event,” Cynthia Curatalo, President and CEO of Ozark Guidance, said.

Ozark Guidance was thrilled to partner with other local nonprofits and share remaining donations of shoes for men, women and children as well as purses. Several of the nonprofits included: Dress for Success, Peace at Home, Elizabeth Richardson Center, 7 Hills, Saving Grace, Potter’s House and Goodwill.

Ozark Guidance, a local not-for-profit mental health care provider, annually provides services for over 14,000 local residents, including 4,800 children. A large majority of these individuals do not have the ability to pay for their much needed mental health care needs, so events like the Walk a Mile in My Shoes… Sale helps take care of the cost. Ozark Guidance serves Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington Counties.

For more information, contact Staci Clinkscales, Marketing and Development Coordinator, at 479.695.1240 or www.ozarkguidance.org. To learn more about services, please call 479.750.2020.