Because hosts successful awareness event highlighting global impact

October 22, 2025

EAGLE, ID–Because International celebrated a successful "Impact from Idaho: The Shoe That Grows" event on October 7, 2025. The luncheon brought together 150 business leaders and community members at the Alturas Event Center in Eagle to learn about the organization's innovative approach to global poverty alleviation through impact products.

The event showcased Because International's flagship product, The Shoe That Grows—an expandable shoe designed to grow five sizes and last for years, providing children in developing countries with footwear that protects their health and enables them to attend school. Additionally, Because President Andrew Kroes highlighted how the organization is expanding impact through its work with international social entrepreneurs who are developing their own impact products. 

The event featured a Q&A with Japheth Opondo, team member in charge of East Africa distribution. Japheth has worked with Because for over 10 years from Kenya, coordinating hundreds of distributions. He shared about the need in Kenya specifically and his firsthand experience seeing the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s health, confidence and access to education. 

Blake Hanson of Alturas and Because Board member Andy Crossman also shared from their personal experience with Because as long-time supporters who have both traveled with the organization to Africa.

Kroes concluded, "We're so thankful to our hosting sponsor, Alturas, for sharing their beautiful event space. Thanks to them and all of our generous sponsors and host committee members who have and will continue to help us spread the word about the mission of Because with our Treasure Valley neighbors."

Additional event sponsors included Advertising that Fitz, Fredriksen Health Insurance, ICCU, OneDigital and Quintex Molding.

Find out more about ways to join in the mission of Because International.