Rachael Ray Challenges Her Viewers to Donate Shoes to Soles4Souls

Market Wire, May, 2008

Rachael Ray, celebrated TV talk show host, bestselling cookbook author, and editor-in-chief of her own lifestyle magazine, appealed to her audience on Tuesday to donate shoes to footwear charity Soles4Souls Inc. The plea followed a segment in which one Rachael Ray guest sorted through her massive shoe collection to help benefit the charity.

Rachael Ray knows that most women take their shoe shopping very seriously, but even those who love their heels are probably not as devoted as guest Susan Discorfano-Caiafa. "My house is overridden by shoes," says the 41-year-old, who admits to having 358 pairs of shoes in her collection. With the help of Rachael and Gretta Monahan, the famed shoe designer from QVC, Susan was able to sort through her collection and donate a staggering 170 pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls.

Rachael was so impressed by Susan's efforts and the generosity of her audience, which also donated shoes to Soles4Souls, that she has challenged her viewers at home to do the same. As an added incentive to get involved, people who pledge donations through the show's website ( www.rachaelrayshow.com ) will be entered to win a new pair of shoes designed by Monahan herself.

"We are thrilled that Rachael Ray asked viewers to donate their shoes to us for distribution to people in need," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "The shoes donated by Susan, Rachael's audience and viewers will make an enormous difference in the lives of people here in the U.S. and around the world who lack any kind of decent footwear."

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls(TM) facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. The organization has distributed more than 3 million pairs of shoes since January 2005 (or one pair of shoes every 28 seconds). Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate both new and "gently worn" footwear. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. For more information about Soles4Souls, please call (866) 521-SHOE, or visit www.giveshoes.org .

For more information please contact: Alexis Laken 646-964-5566 Email Contact Chris Carmichael 615-391-5724 ext. 143 Email Contact