WASHINGTON — Billionaire Patrick Carroll brought a big surprise to kids in D.C. His cross-country tour brought well-known philanthropist and social media personality Ben Kickz, known as the Sneaker Don, to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington on Wednesday, along with a few celebrity guests.
They brought truckloads of sneakers for kids in need. And the kids were excited about it.
"D.C. was probably our loudest crowd yet. This is our sixth event, and by far these kids were the loudest kids we've heard yet," Kickz said.
The event included a DJ, and appearances from Commanders player Josh Morgan, R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, reality star Jon Gosselin and Capitals mascot Slapshot, who kept the energy up.
"We do a lot of events here at the Boys and Girls Club, but this is one-of-a-kind, where 600 kids are getting a brand new pair of shoes," said Mike MacDonald, Vice President of Impact and Innovation for the Boys and Girls Club.
Hundreds of pairs of Nikes were handed out to the happy crowd.
"You treat 'em just like your kids, you gotta give them the best," said Morgan.
DeVaughn said he was happen to help the community in any way he can.
"Lightening that load. Whether it's books, supplies, sneakers, clothes," DeVaughn said.
For Gosselin, volunteering is bigger than just lending a hand.
"Helping out one and other, volunteering, even helping out in your local schools, and giving back, churches, same thing... I think it's very important and I think we've lost touch with that and I think we need to bring it back to survive as a whole as a nation," he said.
Carroll and Kickz are on a quest to donate a million dollars to kids across the United States.
"When you have a passion for something you can bring it to kids in need. That's what it's all about here at the Boys and Girls Club. We're really thrilled to have the Carroll Company supporting this really cool event," MacDonald said.
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