Community Involvement

Giving back is part of our heritage. It started in 1878 with our founder George Warren Brown, who became a noted philanthropist. He believed in his community and invested in it greatly, donating funds and founding cultural institutions and programs that today are hallmarks. Brown also supported people in need with his money and time. When he died in 1921, George Warren Brown gave away half of his money to organizations that would continue his work, such as the Y.M.C.A., universities and colleges, orphanages, missions and homes for the elderly.

Today: Contributions to charitable organizations by Brown Shoe, its divisions, subsidiaries, employees and customers (through in-store programs) exceeded $2.5 million. Most of the funds are directed to building educational, arts and civic institutions and programs in the communities where we maintain offices.

We also undertook customer initiatives that raised $500,000 for breast cancer research in a partnership with the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) and $1.4 million for the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, which helps families have healthier babies every day. As a national March of Dimes partner through Famous Footwear, we participate in more than 1,100 March for Babies walk events nationwide.

Our employees: When it comes to helping those in need, the generosity of our employees is overwhelming. In fact, we traditionally rank among the highest per capita givers to the United Way. Brown Shoe employees are also first in line to volunteer when organizations need our help.