GOLDLAW is proud to announce its sponsorship of International Red Sneakers Day (IRSD), the biggest outreach day each year for 501©3 Non-Profit Red Sneakers for Oakley (RSFO). In May, 2023, IRSD reached 7 million people worldwide.
Red Sneakers for Oakley was established in 2016 after Oakley Debbs passed away due to any anaphylactic reaction at just 11 years of age. RSFO is grounded in the sense that education is desperately needed between allergists hospitals, first-responders, parents, schools, and the general public. The non-profit has dedicated its resources to education and advocacy for food allergy awareness to save lives across the globe.
Food Allergy Facts
Food allergies are no joke. Children are especially affected:
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Almost 6 million children in the U.S., – nearly 8% of all kids – have food allergies.
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More than 40% of children with food allergies have experienced a severe allergic reaction such as Anaphylaxis.
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1-in-6 children will have a reaction at school.
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1-in-13 children, – roughly 2 in every classroom – have food allergies.
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About 40% of children with food allergies are allergic to MORE than one food.
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Pediatric hospitalizations for food allergies tripled between the late 1990’s and mid-2000’s.
Adults are not immune from food allergies either:
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Approximately 27 million adults in the U.S., – 11% – suffer from food allergies.
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Every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the Emergency Room.
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Each year in the U.S., 200,000 people require emergency medical care for allergic reactions to food.
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Food allergy research is severely underfunded compared to both the size of the epidemic and the funding provided for other diseases with fewer patients.
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Globally, 220 million have food allergies.
About International Red Sneakers Day
IRSD will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at The Square in West Palm Beach, FL, from 11AM – 2PM. The celebration offers local and national vendors the opportunity to share their mission and/or products with attendees, share information about RSFO, and promote these goals:
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Create an environment for the good allergy community to come together with one common purpose.
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Educate the non-food allergy community on the dangers of food allergies.
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Provide resources and education about food allergies for everyone in attendance.
What prompted GOLDLAW’s involvement with Red Sneakers for Oakley?
GOLDLAW originally became a sponsor of RSFO events due to the inspiration of Founder/CEO Craig Goldenfarb. Because Craig suffers from a tree nut allergy like Oakley, he established an immediate connection with the Debbs family.
In August, 2023, thanks in part to the relationship he had struck with the Debbs’, Craig was appointed to the charity’s Board of Directors, which was well received in the food allergy community.
“Craig’s personal challenges with food allergies will make him an insightful and compassionate advocate for Red Sneakers for Oakley as a member of the Board of Directors,” said RSFO Director of Development Kim Medeiros. “Because Craig can personally relate to the need for advocacy and legislation for food allergy education and awareness, Red Sneakers for Oakley is thrilled to have Craig aboard as a BOD member.”
How to Participate in International Red Sneakers Day
This year, GOLDLAW will serve as a Bronze Sponsor for International Red Sneakers Day. If you’d like to participate, but can’t make it to The Square in West Palm Beach on Sunday, May 19, just take these steps:
1. Take a photos of yourself in red sneakers/shoes, RSFO merchandise, or anything red!
2. On May 19, post your photo on social media and help spread food allergy awareness! We suggest your caption accomplishes one or all of the following:
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Promote food allergy awareness/education with a fact of personal experience.
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Explain International Red Sneakers Day.
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Tell Oakley’s story so that people understand that food allergies are serious.
3. Tag @redsneakersforoakley on Facebook and Instagram
4. Tag@oakley_red on X (Twitter)
5. Use hashtags: #internationalredsneakerday, #redsneakersforoakley, #foodallergyawareness, #livlikeoaks
“As someone who suffers from a tree nut allergy, I’m well aware of the dangers an individual faces if they are exposed to the allergen,” said Goldenfarb. “Over the years, I’ve gone into anaphylactic shock three times, and almost died. Thankfully, restaurants, airlines and schools are starting to take the problem more seriously, but we still have a lot of work to do with respect to educating the public about the severity of food allergies.”
About Red Sneakers for Oakley (RSFO)
Established in 2016 after 11-year-old Oakley Debbs tragically passed away after suffering complications from a tree nut allergy, RSFO is dedicated to its mission of utilizing food allergy statistics and educational resources to help spread food allergy awareness amongst schools, workplaces, and the community at large. To find out more about the charity, visit redsneakers.org or call (561) 323-4037.
Do you have a charity request for us to consider, click this button to submit your request. Charity Name, Date, Contact Name, phone email address. Tell us about your charity, how much are you looking for? Why would GOLDLAW sponsor your charity? Any other details you can provide? Send the inquiry to marketing@goldlaw.com title the email EVENT ATTENDANCE REQUEST
