During a busy time of year filled with holiday events and seemingly endless shopping, one local business owner paused to celebrate the true meaning of the season: spreading joy to children through the gift of brand-new shoes. Continuing a tradition he began in 1999 to honor his father, local philanthropist Rob Fouss worked through his charitable fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) to ensure children in need at area elementary schools stepped confidently into the holidays and the new year.

The Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund, established by Rob Fouss and his sister, Pam Fouss Wenmoth, honors the memory of their father, Robert (Bob) E. Fouss, whose generosity touched countless lives. During his 46-years in the shoe business at Fort Pitt Shoes on Market Street in Parkersburg, Keystone Shoes in Marietta, and later consolidating both into Ford Shoes at Grand Central Mall, Bob Fouss helped families in unique ways. After Bob’s passing his family discovered that he even allowed some families to pay for shoes by trading fresh eggs or bacon. Some of those children shared with Bob’s family that they were grown adults before they discovered it wasn’t common practice to pay for shoes with fresh eggs and bacon! 

“My father made sure that any child who came into his store in need of shoes left with a new pair,” said Rob Fouss. “I am deeply aware of the responsibility and the gift it is to help those less fortunate. For many of us, replacing a worn pair of shoes or popping into a store to buy boots for winter is effortless, but for some families in our community, allocating funds for multiple pairs of shoes for children with growing feet, or to purchase shoes that are safe during harsh winter months can be a real challenge. This charitable fund, combined with the PACF team’s expertise on local needs, provides our family with a meaningful way to partner with educators who annually help us identify students in need and provide shoes in the correct sizes. Together, we continue to thoughtfully give new shoes while honoring my father’s lifelong mission of helping others.”

This year, the PACF connected Rob with local schools whose needs aligned with his fund’s mission. The fund awarded $900 each to Gihon Elementary School and Creed Collins Elementary School (CCES). Each selected child received up to two pairs of shoes, focusing on providing an athletic pair to promote physical activity and play, and another to ensure warm, dry feet during the cold months.

Community in Schools representative, Abbie Shepler of CCES, was overjoyed to work with the PACF, saying,   “We are incredibly grateful for the support that will enable us to meet the immediate needs of our students, many of whom come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including those who live in rural areas and must walk to the bus each day, making quality footwear essential for their health and safety. A pair of shoes gives each student a true boost of confidence, and we enjoy seeing students proudly wear them with a smile each day as they pass us in the hallway!”

“The PACF is proud to recognize the remarkable ways Rob goes above and beyond in his philanthropic efforts, including personally assisting our team with delivering the grant checks to local schools,” said Amy Nahley, PACF Senior Program Officer. “His generosity directly supports children in our community and sets an inspiring example of how one person can make a tangible difference now and forever. The impact of the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund extends beyond new shoes; it spreads confidence, comfort, and joy to every child it helps.”

Since its creation, the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund has helped hundreds of children in the Mid-Ohio Valley step confidently into their futures.  For a child, a brand-new pair of shoes can mean warmth on a cold morning, confidence in the classroom, and pride with every step. Donations to the Fund help ensure even more children experience the comfort, joy, and confidence that come with new shoes this season. To donate, please visit https://pacfwv.com/funds/robert-e-fouss-memorial-fund.