Shoe Sensation sponsors pie-in-face fundraiser for kids

DU QUOIN - Local public officials donated their time and faces to a worthy cause Saturday - taking a pie in the puss from family and friends to help raise money for the distribution of shoes to several hundred schoolchildren. Shoe Sensation in Du Quoin hosted the event. Altogether, more than $3,500 was collected in contributions from the pie throw and the store has raised close to its $25,000 goal for the year.

Store manager Sara Zaricor said the store gave away over 300 pairs of athletic shoes last year and that number may reach closer to 500 this Sunday afternoon (5 p.m.) at the big giveaway event.

Lending a helping hand Saturday were: Du Quoin Mayor Guy Alongi, Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly, Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis, Du Quoin Police Chief Les Vancil, Du Quoin City Clerk Andrew Croessman, Du Quoin City Councilman Mike Ward, Illinois State Police officer Howard Baxter and Miss Perry County Teen Aubry Lemmons.

Donations are still being accepted at the store. For more information, call Sara or Lisa at 618-790-9128. Shoe Sensation is located at 256 Southtowne Shopping Center in Du Quoin and is open until 8 p.m.