Nike 2008 Doernbecher Freestyle Program

In a project originally conceived approximately 5 years ago, the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Program was a philanthropic initiate to help raise money for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Its premise was to give free reign and creative control over chosen Nike models through a select few inspirational children. Unlike previous years, Nike hoped to create an even bigger splash and raise more funds by opening up the selection of shoes to include some of its most popular releases as well as adding a 6th model. The shoes include popular lifestyle models such as the Air Jordan I, Air Force 1, Free Mary Jane Slip-On as well a more technically-driven style in the Zoom Vomero+ 3. A 6th shoe also includes a commemorative anniversary Air Max 90. In a special charity event a few days ago, a handful of shoes each individually signed by Tiger Woods were auctioned off with all proceeds donated to the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The shoes will be available at Niketown locations as well as Nike.com.

Nike Air Force 1 “Brandi Berger”

“Brandi Berger, 15, from Albany, Ore. is a basketball fan, farm girl, exercise addict and suffers from Diabetes. Her Air Force 1 was auctioned for $8,000 USD.”

Nike Air Force 1 “Colin Couch”

“Colin Couch, 18, from Oregon City, Ore. is a chef, actor, artist and a raconteur who suffers from a heart condition. His white Air Force 1 with lasered-on doodle patterns and the artist’s signature bow tie was auctioned off for $8,000 USD.”

Nike Free Mary Jane “Emily Giersch”

“Emily Giersch, 17, from Oregon City, Ore. is a born performer, elephant lover and a dreamer who recently underwent neurosurgery. Her Nike Free Mary Jane slip-ons, inspired by the surf, sun and sand of Hawaii was auctioned off for $7,000 USD.”

Air Jordan I High “Tony Taylor”

“Tony Taylor, 16, from Portland, Ore. is a super-fan, sneaker head, wise guy who recently underwent a kidney transplant. His ultra-collectible Air Jordan Retro 1 with a tropical twist was auctioned off for $12,500.”

Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 3 “Staci Wright”

“Staci Wright, 16, from Eugene Ore. is a shopaholic, globe-trotter and guardian angel who also suffered from cancer. Staci’s two pairs of splashy Air Zoom Vomero+ 3s, loaded with colorful symbols of Staci’s triumph over disease were auctioned off at $20,000 USD a pair.”

Nike Air Max 90 “The Doernbecher Freestyle Anniversary”

The Doernbecher Freestyle’s anniversary Air Max 90 designed by legendary Nike designer Mark Smith. Now in its fifth year, Freestyle has raised nearly $2 million for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital to date.