Step Forward With Confidence - One Pair of Sneakers Can Change a Child’s Life
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Ronell Blizzard, we empower children by providing sneakers that instill pride, dignity, and opportunity. Every donation, every pair, creates a step toward a brighter future.
Our Story
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Excellence and Compassion
The Dr. Ronell Blizzard Foundation was founded by Sharod Blizzard to honor his brother, Dr. Ronell Blizzard — a scholar, professional basketball player, mentor, and community leader. Born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut,
Dr. Blizzard excelled academically and athletically. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he was a standout basketball player, and later played professionally in Argentina.
Dr. Blizzard went on to earn a master’s degree at Central Connecticut State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from Johnson and Wales University. He served as an assistant professor at Newbury College in Massachusetts and Lyndon State College in Vermont and consulted for Post University in Connecticut. His life was a blend of education, sports, mentorship, and service — a model of excellence and integrity.
A single pair of sneakers is more than footwear — it is the first step toward self-esteem, opportunity, and possibility. It’s a simple gift that becomes a doorway to confidence, dignity, and hope. At Dr. Ronell Blizzard Foundation, for every child we serve, a pair of sneakers is far more than something to wear; it is the beginning of a brighter, empowered future.
Testimonials
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Parent – Waterbury, CT
“When my son’s sneakers started falling apart, I honestly didn’t know how I was going to replace them. Times have been tough, and he had been avoiding gym class because he felt embarrassed. When we received a brand-new pair from the Dr. Ronell Blizzard Foundation, the smile on his face was priceless. He laced them up and said, ‘Mom, now I can run again.’ That confidence alone was a blessing. This foundation gave my child more than sneakers—they gave him joy, dignity, and the courage to show up again.”
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![A man with dark curly hair, glasses, and a beard is looking to his right, wearing a black sweater, with a neutral expression. A blurred plant is in the background.]()
Parent – Hartford, CT
“My daughter cried happy tears when she opened the box. She had been wishing for a pair of sneakers she could be proud of, but we simply couldn’t afford it at the time. The foundation not only delivered a perfect pair but checked in with us afterward to make sure everything fit well. It felt like someone truly cared. The impact on her self-esteem has been incredible—she walks taller, participates more in school, and even joined the after-school running club. I’m forever grateful.”
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Parent – Bridgeport, CT
“I filled out the request form not expecting much, but I was blown away by how personal and respectful the process was. The sneakers they provided for my son were clean, stylish, and high-quality. He wore them proudly to school, and for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t trying to hide his feet. This organization sees children as more than numbers—they see them as human beings deserving of dignity. I truly believe Dr. Ronell would be proud of the work being done in his honor.”
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![A man with dark, curly hair, glasses, a beard, and a nose piercing, dressed in a dark sweater, sitting indoors with a light-colored wall and a plant in the background.]()
Grandparent – New Haven, CT
“I’m raising my two grandchildren on a fixed income, and replacing sneakers has always been a challenge. When the foundation delivered two beautiful pairs—one for each child—they were over the moon. They ran around the house for almost an hour, laughing and showing them off. It reminded me that kindness still exists in this world. Thank you for supporting families like ours and preserving Dr. Ronell’s legacy in such a meaningful way.”
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Donor – Newington, CT
“I donated a few pairs of gently used sneakers and was amazed at how easy and meaningful the process was. What touched me the most was receiving a follow-up message showing how my donation helped a child. Knowing that something sitting in my closet could spark a child’s confidence was powerful. The Dr. Ronell Blizzard Foundation is doing purposeful, heartfelt work, and I’m honored to support their mission.”
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![A smiling young boy holding up a pair of green and white sneakers with red stripes, wearing a navy blue jacket with white accents, outside in front of a stone wall and a wooden post.]()
Teen Recipient – Age 14
“I didn’t expect to feel emotional over sneakers, but getting a pair that actually fit and looked nice made me feel seen. At school, stuff like this matters. When you don’t have good shoes, people notice. The foundation didn’t just give me sneakers; they gave me confidence. I feel motivated, like I can show up as my best self. Thank you for believing kids like me deserve good things.”
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![A young boy smiling and holding a pair of blue athletic shoes in a crowded indoor event space with tables and people in the background.]()
Testimonial — Recipient (Age 13)
"My name is Alisha, and I’m 13 years old. Before the Dr. Ronell Blizzard Foundation helped me, I used to wear a pair of shoes that were already too tight and had small holes at the bottom. I always tried to hide them because I didn’t want anyone to laugh at me at school. When the foundation gave me a brand-new pair of sneakers, it felt like someone finally saw me — not just my situation, but me as a person."
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Monthly Donor – Boston, MA
“I never met Dr. Ronell, but his story moved me deeply. As a former college athlete myself, I know how essential good footwear is for a child’s development. That’s why I committed to giving $50 a month. The transparency, the sincerity, and the real impact this foundation creates are unmatched. It feels good to give to an organization that is not only well-organized but genuinely fueled by love and legacy.”
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![Photograph of two men standing indoors, one young man on the left wearing a white shirt and an older man on the right wearing a dark pinstripe suit and light-colored tie.]()
Sneaker Donor – NYC
“I often buy sneakers for my kids, and they grow out of them so fast. Instead of throwing them away, I started sending them to the foundation. They make donating incredibly simple—clean, bag, ship. What I love most is how intentional they are. These shoes don’t just get handed out—they get matched to a child who truly needs them. It’s beautiful to see Dr. Ronell’s life inspiring such kindness.”
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Corporate Donor – CT Business Owner
“Our company donated a selection of brand-new youth sneakers last year, and the experience was deeply fulfilling. The foundation provided updates, photos (with privacy protected), and detailed reports showing exactly how our donation helped. Their professionalism is exceptional, and their compassion is genuine. Supporting them aligns perfectly with our company’s values, and we intend to make this an annual partnership.”
