Slick’s Kicks Brings New Shoes and Encouragement to South Dade

For Slick’s Kicks Charitable Foundation, a new pair of sneakers is more than a practical gift. It is a carefully prepared message that someone’s progress, perseverance and personal journey deserve to be recognized.

The foundation was created in memory of Victoria “Slick Vick” Hoppe, who died in 2022 at age 25 following a rare and aggressive cancer.

Hoppe was born and raised in Homestead and was frequently featured in the South Dade News Leader after winning multiple district and regional cross-country championships for Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay.

Her connection to sneakers extended beyond athletics. She viewed them as an expression of confidence and individuality, and her family has carried that outlook into a foundation designed to encourage people taking steps toward wellness and stability.

Through its membership in the South Dade Chamber of Commerce, Slick’s Kicks has expanded its relationships with human-services organizations serving southern Miami-Dade County.

The foundation recently provided 30 pairs of new sneakers to people served by Chapman Partnership’s Homestead campus and 40 pairs to those served by Start Off Smart Inc., located at Kristi House/The Healing Sanctuary in Homestead.

It is also collaborating with BAMN Robotics to provide sneakers to students who complete an extracurricular program beginning in September.

Eligible nonprofit organizations may request sneaker gifts through slickskicks.org. Requests are considered in the order received and depend on available funding.

Unlike a general shoe drive, Slick’s Kicks gathers the sizes needed by each participating group and purchases new sneakers for the recipients. Each pair is wrapped in tissue paper, placed inside an outer gift box and tagged with an inspirational message from Hoppe before being delivered to the community partner.

The foundation describes the presentation as a “sneaker unboxing experience” intended to help each recipient feel supported and recognized.

Since its creation in late 2023, Slick’s Kicks has provided nearly 500 pairs of sneakers through human-services organizations across Florida.

The organization has also logged more than 400 hours at community networking events from Coconut Grove to Homestead.

Continued growth depends on donations, volunteers and business support. Individuals may make one-time or recurring donations through the foundation’s website. Businesses interested in sponsorships and residents interested in volunteering may use the “Get in Touch With Us” form at slickskicks.org.

The foundation will host its second annual Slick’s Kickback from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at The Gardens of Weber Manor in South Dade.

The event will include appetizers, adult beverages, live music, dinner and presentations from Miami Shoe Museum founder and chief curator Luis Valenzuela and Dick’s House of Sport marketing specialist Andrei Espinosa. Tickets are available through Eventbrite while supplies last.

One of Hoppe’s messages now accompanies many of the sneakers distributed by the foundation.

“All I really want is for my story to inspire everyone to commit to their ongoing journey for themselves,” Hoppe said during a 2021 webinar for Yellowbrick Learning Institute’s Sneaker Essentials course.

Additional information is available at slickskicks.org and on Instagram at @slickskickscharitable.