Ruckus St. Louis Sets Record for Most Shoes Donated to Barrel Aid

I’ve never had an experience quite like this before. 

I’m being dunked multiple times in thick, cool mud.  I’m balancing on swinging ropes.  I’m climbing up muddy walls.  I’m sliding down Mount Ruckmore.  And finally, I’m gently being placed on a tarp with other mud-stained friends.

Yes, I’m a shoe, and yes, I survived Ruckus St. Louis with you.

At first, I was upset that you gave me away.  After all, we’ve been through a lot together—the cool nightly runs, the endless treadmill jogging, the intense agility training.  Through it all, I have stuck by your side.  And to hear that you were giving me away after one of the most chaotic mud runs of our lives made me feel sad and a bit betrayed.  But then I learned about where I was going.  And now, I’m happy.

Because of your big heart, you decided to donate me to an organization called Barrel Aid after we competed in Ruckus St. Louis together.  I have quickly learned that Barrel Aid donates used muddy shoes (just like me!) to schools in Haiti.  And now, 381 other pairs of shoes and I are headed to Haiti to make the world a better place.

Not only are we doing some social good, but we are breaking records too!  My 381 new friends and I broke a record during St. Louis Ruckus—it was a record donation for Barrel Aid!  I would give you a high-five if I could, but I don’t have hands.  Instead, I’ll just smile and drive away with my new buddies and reminisce on the memorable Ruckus experience that you and I shared—even though I was completely blinded the whole time with mud.  

Thank you for donating me, you Ruckstar.  After sticking by your side, I am looking forward to making a difference in someone else’s life now.  Good luck to you—and good luck to the next pair of shoes you decide to put through the ringer!

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Boston, are you up for the challenge?  Let's see if you can beat St. Louis's shoe donation to Barrel Aid!  Bring it on!