Soles4Souls® Announces Next Phase of Partnership With flipflop® wines

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls (www.soles4souls.org), the international shoe charity dedicated to providing footwear to those in need, announced the next phase of their unprecedented partnership with flipflop wines – the "Soles4Souls flippin' good deeds Challenge."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110805/CL48010 )

The program was announced today by Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, and David Georges, vintner, flipflop wines.  "Bloggers have been instrumental in spreading the word about Soles4Souls and flipflop wines and we are deeply appreciative of their support," stated Elsey.  

The "Soles4Souls flippin' good deeds Challenge" offers a way for bloggers to continue to engage their community of readers.  Exclusively sponsored by flipflop wines, this program challenges bloggers to lead shoe drives and encourage their communities to donate gently worn footwear.  Bloggers have a chance to win a trip for two on an international shoe distribution trip with Soles4Souls, where they can deliver the shoes they have collected first-hand to those in need.  

The "Soles4Souls flippin' good deeds Challenge" launches on September 6 and concludes on November 15, 2011.  

This program marks the next step in the unique partnership between Soles4Souls and flipflop wines.  "We value our relationship with flipflop wines," said Elsey. "Beyond flipflop wines' generous donation to date, they have expanded Soles4Souls' voice and reach to new audiences. People who enjoy a good bottle of wine – like many in the blogging community – are now discovering Soles4Souls, embracing our mission and jumping in to help. We welcome their involvement. Soles4Souls is also in discussions with flipflop wines to take the partnership to the next level."

Since the partnership began early this year, flipflop wines has already donated over $100,000 from the proceeds of their wine sales, and over a thousand pairs of shoes from shoe drives benefiting Soles4Souls.

"We are inspired to be working with Soles4Souls to help them reach their goal of collecting and distributing millions of pairs of shoes this year to people in need," said David Georges, who has played an active role in distributing shoes with Soles4Souls at several distribution centers and outreach programs across the United States.  "We are committed to Soles4Souls' mission and are proud that flipflop wines have helped make a difference in the lives of millions of people."

flipflop wines, distributed by Underdog Wine Merchants, are a collection of expressive, well-balanced wines that are a perfect fit with today's casual lifestyle.  With seven varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Riesling, there is a flipflop wine for everyone.  "These wines deliver true varietal character at an exceptional value (SRP $7)," states Georges.  For more information on flipflop wines, please visit www.flipflopwines.com.

Underdog Wine & Spirits is continuing its shoe drive through the end of the year and invites members of the community to drop off shoe donations to Underdog Wine Bar in Livermore, CA who will deliver the shoes to a Soles4Souls distribution center.

About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls™

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls' other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.

About Underdog Wine & Spirits

Underdog Wine & Spirits, an unleashed unit of The Wine Group, is the champion of emerging brands for the new millennium: the "underdogs" of the sometimes stuffy wine and spirits world. We work with domestic and international producers to craft unique adult beverages that are a breed apart. The home of Cupcake, Fish Eye, flipflop, Big House and Octavin Home Wine Bar, our portfolio includes many of today's most dynamic growth brands. Visit www.UDWS.com for more information.

SOURCE Soles4Souls