On Thursday, April 5, Oakland University will host Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, as part of the Student Life Lecture Board (SLLB) speaker series.
Upon learning that most children in developing countries grow up barefoot, he created TOMS Shoes with a simple promise: to give a pair of new shoes to children in need with every pair sold. The One for One business model harnesses the power of consumers for good and has become the hallmark of social enterprise, now taught in universities around the world. TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children through giving partners around the world in 28 countries. This June, TOMS launched its second One for One product, TOMS Eyewear, to help save and restore sight to people in need.
Last fall, Blake launched his first book Start Something That Matters. He offers his own amazing story of inspiration, and the power of incorporating giving in business. He references other companies and individuals who have been motivated and inspired to integrate philanthropy into their profession as well as their personal lives.
Hear Blake’s inspirational story first hand. The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 5 in the O’rena (doors open at 6:30). Free tickets are available to the first 250 alumni to register (limit four), otherwise general admissions tickets may be purchased for $10 each. Call the Center for Student Activities at 248-370-4407 or visit the CSA Ticket Window in the lower level of the Oakland Center to reserve your tickets. Your tickets will be held at will call at the O’rena the night of the event.
Visit oakland.edu/SLLB for more information on Blake, TOMS, and SLLB.