Although not every Shady Rays customer will catch air on a wakeboard, land an inverted aerial or conquer an alpine slope, they all have one thing in common: They enable Feeding America to supply much-needed food to people facing hunger. That is because Shady Rays helps provide 11 meals to Feeding America every time a customer places an order.
Giving back has always been a focus for Shady Rays — a small, independent company specializing in polarized sunglasses for active lifestyles. But honing in on domestic hunger was a direct result of customer feedback. Chris, the founder of Shady Rays commented, “Our customers and team were passionate about addressing a core need — specifically here in the United States — which resulted in our partnership with Feeding America. They spoke loud and clear; they wanted donations to stay right here at home. Feeding America is the perfect match for our company’s desire to have local impact and make sure that every order that goes out the door makes a difference.”
“After analyzing several highly rated nonprofit organizations,” said Chris, “we felt our customers’ concerns fit well with Feeding America’s work to help end hunger. And the impact of $1 = 10 meals* is not only tangible but substantial.” He continued, “Our partnership with Feeding America is a big motivator to our team. For us, helping provide meals to people struggling with hunger is always top of mind. It gives purpose to our work.”
Chris and other members of the Shady Rays team have helped alleviate hunger in their local communities as well by working with a local soup kitchen and participating in volunteer events and food drives for Feeding America food banks, including Dare to Care in Louisville, Kentucky.
Shady Rays’ motto of “Live Hard. We Got You.” applies not only to their products and customer service but also to the company’s impact on people struggling with hunger. To date, Shady Rays has donated the equivalent of more than 3.1 million meals to Feeding America and looks to continue their efforts to provide 1 million meals annually. Through continued dedication to the cause, even more meals will reach people in need — including families, children, and seniors — giving them the nutrition they need to work hard and thrive.
*Each $1 provides at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.
