Our friends at BALL’N alerted us to their new 2012 line, which is definitely a good look given where the proceeds will be going. Check out the details, via BALL’N:
BALL’N, a minority owned athletic footwear brand is looking to bring more awareness and support for our US Service Members who have answered the call of duty to server and protect our freedom with the launch of their New 2012 Holiday line of basketball shoes on the growing crowdfunding site Rockethub.com. “Purchase a pair of shoes and BALL’N will “Give a Soldier a Gift for the Holidays,” said Rodney Jeter, BALL’N Founder. Purchase one of the “BALL’N 4 THE TROOPS SHOE PACKS” and BALL’N will donate and send a pair of BALL’N shoes to a US Service member of your choice who is serving overseas as a holiday gift from you. BALL’N has committed a portion of all the sales from the Rockethub launch to go directly to helping wounded US Service members, veterans and their families.
These funds will go directly to the “ FREEDOM IS NOT FREE” Organization, which is dedicated to assisting wounded service members and their families, and the families of the fallen. They help with the immediate financial needs associated with medical care, travel, home modification, and the paying of family’s bills. “My military service in Korea led me to my vision to create BALL’N. I truly understand the sacrifices our military service men and women endure for our Freedom” said Rodney. “I am thankful that now I am in a position where BALL’N can give back to our service members and their families.
While stationed in Korea, Rodney toured a shoe manufacturing plant on his down time and was so fascinated with the shoe manufacturing process he immediately knew what he wanted to do when he was done with his service in the Army. He wanted to create a footwear brand. After many years of struggling and doors being slammed in his face, his dream of launching a footwear brand was achieved back in 2011 with the help of Los Angeles Lakers swingman Metta World Peace.
World Peace became the first NBA player to wear BALL’N footwear in the NBA. “We have a great technology in our shoe called D3O which delivers superior shock absorption for your foot and joints,” said Rodney. “I am able to play harder and longer without experience any major knee and foot pain,” said Metta World Peace in an interview with Los Angeles Times.
