Running Shoes 4 Kids launches GoGood GiveBack campaign in Kootenai County

Be helpful, not hurtful.

Go good, do good, be good.

Good vibes thrive within the Running Shoes 4 Kids nonprofit and its projects, activities and events. This year, president and founder Colene Hotmer is inviting other charitable organizations to join in the mission of promoting positivity through the GoGood GiveBack fundraiser.

"I am very excited and hopeful about all the good and positive impact the GoGood GiveBack will have on our community as a whole," Hotmer said Friday.

RS4K was founded in 2012 to provide running shoes for kids in need. As part of RS4K, the #GoGood campaign was created to empower local youth to understand they have the power to do good and be resilient in the face of adversity. In 12 years, RS4K has gifted more than 1,200 pairs of athletic shoes to kids and adults throughout North Idaho. Efforts have expanded to local schools, businesses and youth-based programs to support Project #GoGood, which recognizes kids for demonstrating #GoGood values such as kindness, responsibility and positive behaviors. RS4K also hosts an annual #GoGood Community Event and Run 2 Summer, which will begin at 1 p.m. June 29 at Volunteer Park, 5601 Jefferson St., Spirit Lake.

The GoGood GiveBack takes it a step further by encouraging other nonprofits to partner with RS4K and earn support and visibility as they join forces to spread the good even further.

Hotmer said it just makes sense to work together.

"There are so many good nonprofits out there doing good," Hotmer said. "We all need and work for fundraising to help support our cause. Seems to make the best sense to all come together, in that same work with one GoGood fundraiser! RS4K is excited to be able to facilitate a community event where we can all do just that."

Nonprofits that request to be a part of the fundraiser will receive 50% of the proceeds secured through the campaign when they share news about the #GoGood Run 2 Summer. Campaign spots are limited and registration must be completed by June 20.

With approval, nonprofits that apply will receive custom campaign links to share within their network. Anyone who receives the link will be directed to a page where they can buy tickets to the Run 2 Summer. At the end of the event, all funds will be distributed between the participating organizations and RS4K.

Hotmer said as an active member of a parent-teacher organization, she knows how parents and staff look for fundraisers throughout the year, such as selling hanging flower baskets, chocolate and raffle tickets.

"Raffle tickets are basic: A person spends $10-$25 on a ticket in hopes to win a prize," she said. "Of course, only one person wins a prize. ... Fundraising with RS4K provides all who participate money for their fundraising and the person donating a guaranteed family fun event."

The Run 2 Summer is open to all ages and will include several fun runs, live music, local vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo, a dunk tank and a kid zone.

Event tickets start at $15. Each ticket purchased will come with a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of 50 pairs of new running shoes.

RS4K will award free event tickets to youths who submit short written paragraphs, reels or drawings sharing "How they GoGood."

Visit runningshoes4kids.com for details or email submissions to runningshoes4kids@gmail.com. Drawings can be dropped off at Dairy Queen in Rathdrum and Hayden, Two Wheeler Dealer and Fire Up Espresso in Spirit Lake and Sportsman and Ski Haus in Coeur d'Alene.