As the tenth edition of KFK took place, Rodriguez reflects on what KFK means from its origins to this day.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/files\/2020\/02\/20200207-IMG_6969.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
“To me, it was a culmination of all the work me and my partner, Kellen Baker, had put into it. It\u2019s always been built off relationships never corporate entities.”<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, we get brands like Jason Markk and others that help out, but it\u2019s always been built on relationships with those individuals at those brands who appreciate and support us,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
The event draws support from an array of angles. Attendees are welcomed to donate new shoes. Exclusive items like signed jerseys and player exclusive sneakers are up for auction. Whether it’s shoes from PJ Tucker or The Shoe Surgeon, the event inspires change though sneakers.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/files\/2020\/02\/IMG_7041.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s cool that all of those items come from my personal and professional relationship with people like PJ Tucker,\u00a0Chris Beard who has been instrumental in connecting me with different players and organizations\u00a0and Phoenix Suns equipment manager Jay Gaspar. They hear about this event, and they just want to contribute in any way possible,” Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
“Having those players is huge, but it\u2019s really everyone else who throws their hats in the ring to take it over the top.”<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/files\/2020\/02\/20200207-kicks-for-kids-kobe-4-pe.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Through the years, KFK has compiled tons of shoes and thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Club of Arizona.<\/p>\n
For Rodriguez, this is just the beginning.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019re at a crossroads where we want to figure out what the next step is going to be. Houston\u2019s been on the radar. The next step is to take it out of state again to grow our brand and expand the markets we want to hit,” he said.<\/p>\n
“KFK still remains at the core of an ideal of helping out kids in need whether it\u2019s athletics or ability to go to school with decent shoes on their feet. Just keeping true to our original name \u2013 Kicks For Kids.”<\/p>\n