You Shop, We Give
“You Shop, We Give”
It’s. That. Simple.
My husband, Brian, and I have run the eponymous Lori’s Shoes women’s shoes, clothing and accessories stores for over 35 years in Chicagoland. Like many of you, Chicago is our home; it is where we raised our family, built our business and built our lives. Today, we are asking you to support us in a new effort; our “You Shop, We Give” campaign will support those throughout Chicagoland living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Here’s the gist: We’re asking you to join this campaign by shopping at participating stores that have agreed to donate 1% of their sales during May 18th- May 25th to ALS research and care for those living with ALS.
*Why May? That’s easy; it’s the national awareness month for ALS.
*Where will the donations go? All proceeds will go to four Chicagoland based ALS organizations or chapters: I AM ALS, Les Turner ALS Foundation, ALS Association’s Greater Chicago Area Chapter and The Muscular Dystrophy Association's Chicago Chapter.
So, why are we at Lori’s spearheading this campaign to fight ALS?
We’ve poured our heart and “sole” into Lori’s for over 35 years. But all of our years running Lori’s could never have prepared us for the shock of what happened in the Fall of 2016; Brian was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is always fatal and most patients die in less than five years. Brian had no family history so we had no warning, just a new reality.
After recovering from the initial shock of Brian’s diagnosis, we took off on a cross country educational tour, meeting with the nation’s leading experts in the field, both clinicians and researchers. We did so because we were determined to amass the best possible arsenal to do battle with ALS. During this tour, we met Brian Wallach and his wife Sandra Abrevaya. They faced the same devastating news when Brian was diagnosed with the disease in 2017, at the age of 37. Together, along with an advisory committee of dozens of incredibly dedicated ALS patient and caregiver activists, we have created I AM ALS.
Today, we can honestly say that it is not a question of if a cure will be found for ALS, but when. All we need is your support and more funding for research.
Please join us in “You Shop, We Give”.
Together, we can beat this thing!!!
Click here for more information on participating Chicagoland businesses and their locations. Thank you Chicago for helping us in the fight against ALS!
Molly (Elkins) Katz says...
On June 15, 2020Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I am inspired by your activism. Since I was a teenager, Lori’s was always our favorite shoe store! My mom has been a loyal customer since it opened. My father is also suffering from ALS, and as a way of supporting your initiative, a group of my moms friends bought matching purses for themselves and for my mom this week. May we all benefit from a cure soon!
Bonnie Bogdany says...
On June 18, 2019Do you charge for shipping the Haute Shore tote bag? Thanks.
Ilene Diamond says...
On June 18, 2019My thoughts and prayers go out to Lori, Brian and family in hopes that a cure will be found.
Mary Musat Crandall says...
On June 18, 2019Lori, I have been a fan and client of yours for almost as long as you’ve had the shop on Armitage, when I moved into the “piano factory” loft on Clybourn in 1984.
Although I moved from Chicago in the ‘90s I have enjoyed coming back to shop every so often when visiting Chgo friends, and also on-line.
Your business success has been inspiring and I’m sure the efforts toward ALS will be just as successful. I look forward to contributing..
Nancy Powell says...
On May 19, 2019Lori & Brian-
What a wonderful thing you’ve started. I’ll do my part and shop. So many people love and support you, This will be a big success.
Nancy Powell
Nancy Gans says...
On May 16, 2019I have known this family for 50 years. They will make a difference In the fight against A LS, Here’s hoping we will all make. Difference. Stay strong and positive and live every moment to its fullest. Nancy Gans
Linda randall says...
On May 16, 2019What a wonderful gift you are giving. Your openness and love are an inspiration. Your store has been part of my family forever. It’s lovely when something’s stay the same.
Marley Stein says...
On May 01, 2019I live in Milwaukee and have been coming in to shop at Lori’s since you opened.
Your customers are a strong support and we will do all we can to help you raise funds and awareness. You have a big team with you.
Marla Spector says...
On April 29, 2019Lori and Brian
This was beautiful! I remember both of you so well from when you were kids and alwaysI have always loved coming to your store for the last 35 years . I will be at your store during May 18th and 25th to help you fight and beat this . You have my support.
Marla Spector