Guitarist Rich Eckhardt Announces Charity Partnership with Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls®, the international shoe charity, is excited to announce its partnership with Rich Eckhardt, the nationally recognized guitar player best known as long-time member of Toby Keith's Easy Money Band. Rich is one of the most sought after guitarists in the country, and has shared the stage with artists ranging from Steven Tyler of Aerosmith to Shania Twain. He has performed in nearly every major concert venue in the world, played on multi-platinum and Grammy® award winning albums, and has entertained for American presidents. His most recent musical release "Cottage City Firehouse" was released in 2009 to critical acclaim, including being nominated for a 2009 Nashville Music Award.

Rich is excited about the opportunity to get involved on a hands-on level with a charity like Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls has donated more than 8 million pairs of shoes worldwide, and most recently committed more than 1.3 million pairs to the victims of the Haitian earthquake.

"I was searching for a way to give back to the community when I discovered Soles4Souls. They are the perfect organization for me since it is in my own backyard but with an international reach." said Eckhardt. "I am looking forward to a successful and rewarding partnership with them. I know how life changing something as simple as a pair of shoes can be."

"We are honored that friends in the country music community like Rich Eckhardt continue to step up and support our organization," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "I can't think of a better way for someone with the musical platform like Rich to utilize their influence than by showing others the importance of social responsibility."

For more information on the partnership or how to get involved, visit www.giveshoes.org. For information on Rich Eckhardt and his music visit www.richeckhardt.com.

About Soles4Souls®
Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 8.5 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

To post a comment, you must register and login.