We Did Something Amazing

The Kicks for Kids Golf Outing Raised Over $10,000 for Macomb Kids

Sometimes a community surprises you. On June 19th, 2026, the Macomb community showed up in a big way for the first-ever Kicks for Kids Golf Outing — and the results were nothing short of incredible. What started as a hope, a small goal, and a whole lot of heart turned into a landmark day for kids in Macomb who need something as simple — and as important — as a good pair of shoes.

Here’s the full story.

Where It All Started: Kicks for Kids

If you missed our original post, here’s the story. Nearly five years ago, an anonymous donor walked into Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb and handed Jimmie Koller $2,000 with a simple request: buy shoes for kids in the community who need them. Jimmie got to work. Edison School Social Worker Chandler Adkisson identified students in grades K–5 who were in need of new shoes, and just like that, a program was born.

What started as a single act of generosity has grown into a fully organized community initiative. This past spring, 55 students across Lincoln and Edison Elementary Schools received brand new, properly fitted shoes — each pair selected and sized by Jimmie personally, valued at up to $50 each. When he needs to, he measures students’ feet himself. These aren’t shoes dropped in a bin. They’re fitted the same way Jimmie fits every customer who walks through his door.

In 2025, the Rotary of Macomb Club (Noon Rotary) formalized its support — committing $500 per year for five years and serving as the official repository for donations to the fund. The goal is to raise $2,000 or more annually, and the community has already exceeded that: over $3,500 raised and a surplus that ensures no identified student gets left out.

“The Noon Rotary of Macomb Club has been very instrumental in helping with the program. Community support has been fantastic, along with support from some of our great customers who patronize our store regularly.”

— Jimmie Koller, Owner, Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb

The long-term vision is to expand the program from K–5 all the way through middle school and eventually high school. The golf outing was the next step toward making that happen.

The Tournament: June 19th, 2026

To grow the program and put more shoes on more feet, Jimmie and the team organized the first-ever Kicks for Kids Golf Outing. The goal going in? Raise $5,000 — maybe $6,000 if the sponsorships came together.

What actually happened blew that goal out of the water.

Twenty-nine teams showed up. One hundred sixteen golfers took the course. Sixteen volunteers gave their time. Twenty sponsors stepped up. Six Gold Hills staff kept the day running smoothly. And donors from across the community added to the total in ways that made an already remarkable day even more so.

“Never, ever did we think we would have such a huge tournament for such a wonderful cause!!”

— Jimmie, Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb

By the end of the day, the Kicks for Kids Golf Outing had raised over $10,000 — all of it going directly to kids in Macomb.

By the Numbers

What This Means for Macomb Kids

Ten thousand dollars goes a long way when every dollar is going directly toward shoes. Through the Kicks for Kids program, Jimmie fits students personally — which means these aren’t shoes dropped in a donation bin. They’re properly fitted, carefully selected, and delivered with the same care Jimmie brings to every customer who walks through his door.

More money raised means more school visits. More visits mean more kids walking into classrooms in shoes that actually fit — which, if you know anything about foot health and child development, matters more than most people realize. And with the expanded funding, Jimmie’s vision of reaching middle school and eventually high school students gets a whole lot closer to reality.

“We must work on growing it and make it something more people will get behind. Putting smiles on those faces is what it is all about for me — and helping those that truly need it. I hope this is a program that can continue even after my time with Brown’s is done. This is a long-term initiative, not just a 1 or 2 year thing.”

— Jimmie Koller, Owner, Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb

This tournament didn’t just raise money. It set a new standard for what this community is capable of when it rallies around something worth rallying around.

See You Next Year

The Kicks for Kids Golf Outing isn’t a one-time event. It’s a tradition now — and year two is already on the calendar.

Save the Date: Friday, June 18th, 2027.

The goal next year? Do it even bigger and better. More teams, more sponsors, more shoes for more kids. If you want to be part of it — as a golfer, a sponsor, or a volunteer — keep an eye on Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb for details as they develop.

Together, we’re making a difference — one swing at a time.

How to Donate

Want to help put new shoes on a Macomb student’s feet? Donations are accepted by check, payable to the Rotary Club of Macomb. Include “Shoe Fund” in the memo line and mail to:

Rotary Club of Macomb
PO Box 213
Macomb, IL 61455

Every dollar goes directly toward shoes for kids who need them.

Thank You

To the 116 golfers, 16 volunteers, 20 sponsors, 6 Gold Hills staff members, and every donor who contributed — this was your day as much as anyone’s. Jimmie set the vision, but the Macomb community made it real.

“It was amazing to see our community come together to help provide shoes for local kids. Thank you to Jimmie for hosting such a great event and to all of the sponsors, golfers, and volunteers who made the day possible.”

— Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. Macomb

This is what it looks like when a locally owned shoe store and its community decide to do something good together. We couldn’t be more proud of what happened on June 19th — and we can’t wait to see what year two brings.

Why Buy Yours From Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?

With 73 locally owned and operated locations across the Midwest, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has been a trusted name in footwear since 1911. Known for our personalized service and commitment to quality, Brown’s Shoe Fit is the go-to destination for comfortable, quality footwear for all ages. Each of our stores offers a footwear selection unique to the needs of our communities, with a knowledgeable staff trained to give every customer the best fit possible. To learn more about us, visit brownsshoefitco.com or find a store near you!