Patrick Carroll’s “Kicks for Kids” Tour Brings Sneaker Joy to Chicago!

Miami’s benevolent billionaire, Patrick Carroll, once again spread the love of giving during his heartwarming Kicks for Kids tour, and this time, he landed in the Windy City, Chicago! On August 29th, just as students were gearing up for the new school year, the renowned philanthropist delivered truckloads of stylish sneakers to the kids at the Union League Boys & Girls Club – Chicago / Club One. This marks the fifth stop on his remarkable journey to donate a million dollars worth of high-end sneakers to underprivileged children across the United States. What makes this endeavor even more extraordinary is that all donations are self-funded, straight from Patrick Carroll’s generous heart, with zero corporate sponsors involved.

The day was a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and inspiration, as Carroll treated the kids to an unforgettable experience. There were video games, courtesy of GamesgoArcade, appearances by Chicago’s beloved sports team mascots, “Staley Da Bear” from the Chicago Cubs and “Tommy Hawk” from the Chicago Bears, delectable pizza, talented DJs spinning tracks, live art demonstrations, surprise celebrity guests, and, of course, brand-new, top-of-the-line sneakers that left the children beaming with joy. Stay tuned for the next leg of this incredible tour, as Patrick Carroll continues his mission to make a difference in the lives of deserving kids.

Reflecting on the impact of his “Kicks for Kids” tour, Carroll shared, “There’s no better feeling than seeing the kids’ faces light up with excitement when they receive a new pair of really cool sneakers. They’re surprised and so happy at the same time. I don’t know of a more genuine and fulfilling experience than I could imagine.”

Carroll’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that success is attainable for anyone, regardless of their background. “As cliché as it sounds, the message I give the kids is, ‘If I can do it, anyone can do it.’ I am far from your typical success story. I got into some trouble growing up, didn’t go to college, and I’m basically self-taught. I think, especially these days, it’s important for the kids to understand the message, ‘Work hard for your dreams, and you too can live the American dream.'”

CEO Patrick Carroll is not only a real estate mogul with over 30,000 properties in his portfolio, but he’s also a dedicated father of three boys. So far, this self-made tycoon has given away an astonishing $500,000 worth of this season’s most sought-after sneakers to underprivileged children in Tampa and Miami, Florida, Atlanta, GA, New York City, and now, Chicago!

For this philanthropic endeavor, Carroll enlisted the services of the legendary sneaker aficionado, Ben Kickz, also known as the “Sneaker Don.” Together, they arranged for a Brinks truck filled with 600 pairs of high-end sneakers to be distributed to members of the Boys & Girls Club across the United States.

Carroll’s mission continues, with plans to give away $1 million worth of sneakers across ten Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation. His joy stems from witnessing the children’s faces light up when they receive their sneakers, and this leg of the tour was particularly special, taking place at the Union League Boys & Girls Club – Chicago / Club One location. Patrick Carroll even invited some celebrity friends to join in the excitement and help distribute sneakers, including Briannagh D (Disney, ABC), George Daniels (Barber Shop 1 & 2, Grammy Board Member), Seraphina Sanan (Metal Rock artist), Toxic, Van Johnson (Black Ink Crew Chicago), Cortez Smith (regular on the “Chi” series), and more.

Having grown up in Tampa, Florida, Carroll knows firsthand the importance of places like The Boys & Girls Club and the role they play in the lives of young people. Now, as a board member, he is determined to pay it forward. Carroll summed up the essence of his mission perfectly when he said, “Knowing firsthand how aspirational having the right pair of sneakers can be to a kid in need, it’s incredible to see the looks on these kids’ faces when we pull up in that truck.” At 43 years young, Patrick Carroll’s commitment to spreading joy and hope knows no bounds.

Photo Credit: Maurice Holloway

l-r: Ben Kickz, Patrick Carroll
Patrick Carroll
Van Johnson (Black Ink Crew Chicago)

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Tags: Ben Kickz, Boys & Girls Club, Chicago, Chicago / Club One, Club One, Kicks for Kids, Patrick Carroll, Sneaker Don

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.