By: Richard L. Smith
The Evolve Clothing Gallery in Somerville, NJ, recently became a center of generosity and community spirit as The Cham Foundation, led by Irving Cham, hosted a sneaker drive benefiting the youth at Isaiah House in East Orange.
The event, known as ‘Lace Up for Love’, was made possible through a collaboration of local leaders and businesses committed to making a positive impact.
Key organizers included Dave Papa of Real Safe Title, RanD—owner of Evolve Clothing Gallery, and a Somerville Councilman—and Schivane Bonhomme of Believe Again Consulting Firm, who managed the coordination of the drive.
According to event officials, the sneaker drive brought together professionals and residents eager to contribute to the cause.
Community Comes Together for "Lace Up for Love" Sneaker Drive Benefiting Isaiah House Youth members eager to contribute to a worthy cause.
Sponsors such as Landy Garcia, Mike Santos, Chris Delgado, Maurice Negro and Dave Papa played crucial roles in ensuring the event’s success.
Their involvement highlights a strong sense of camaraderie within the real estate and local business sectors, fostering a collective spirit of philanthropy.
In addition to individual sponsors, leading brands including New Balance, Dr. Martens, Adidas, and ‘On’ contributed by donating sneakers, reinforcing their commitment to community initiatives.
The combined efforts of sponsors and donors helped raise over $2,000 and collect more than 100 pairs of sneakers, with donations continuing to come in.
One of the standout moments of the day came from Joseph Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Disrupt Foods. Johnson, who also serves as Partner and COO of Malcolm Inc., addressed attendees with a speech emphasizing the significance of community-driven initiatives.
According to officials from "Lace Up for Love," Johnson’s support went beyond words—he matched all online contributions made during the event, further amplifying the positive impact.
The Cham Foundation expressed pride in leading initiatives like this, underscoring the importance of giving back.
“We strive to be the change we wish to see, both in the real estate industry and in the broader community,” Cham stated.
His leadership and commitment to charitable endeavors continue to resonate beyond his professional work.
The "Lace Up for Love" sneaker drive not only highlighted the collective goodwill of the community but also served as a beacon of hope for the youth at Isaiah House.
As donations continue to pour in, the event stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause.
