MOREHEAD, Ky. — In a game usually decided by yards and inches, Morehead State University football coach Matt Ballard has decided that “two feet” will be a key on Saturday.

But instead of two-thirds of a yard, it will be his own two feet that will raise money for Samaritan’s Feet organization.

As part of MSU’s Center for Regional Engagement “Make a Difference Day,” Ballard will be the first football coach in the nation to coach a game barefoot when the Morehead State Eagles entertain Marist at 1 p.m. in Jayne Stadium in a Pioneer Football League and Homecoming contest.

“This is a great organization and opportunity, and when asked, I didn’t have to think about it,” said Ballard. “We hope that we can raise awareness to this very important subject.”

Fans can text the word “shoes” to 85944 and $5 will be added to their next month’s bill and an impoverished child in South Africa will be given a new pair of athletic shoes.

Samaritan’s Feet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives though Shoes of Hope distributions around the world. Each morning, 300 million people wake up without a pair of shoes to protect their feet from injury and disease. The goal of Samaritan’s Feet is to provide shoes to 10 million of these individuals in the next 10 years.

During the game, announcements will be made and posters at the stadium will encourage fans to donate.

“I know that all Eagle fans will help this great organization. It is very simple to be able to give a donation that will enable a pair of shoes to be given to a youngster that does not have any. It is an incredible chance for MSU fans to make a difference and I am so proud that the Center for Regional Engagement gave me the opportunity to do my part.”

According to Ballard, MSU’s Marching Band is stepping up. The band will observe the event by going in the stands to collect contribution and also making a donation for shoes to be distributed locally.

IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter coached a game barefoot on Jan. 24, 2008. His mission was to raise awareness (and shoes) for Samaritan’s Feet.

“The CRE was looking for an opportunity to make a difference while still celebrating our university and alumni,” said Melisa McBrayer-Pratt, CRE community service and marketing coordinator. “A number of ideas were considered by our committee and Samaritan’s Feet seemed to pop out as a perfect match.

“One of CRE’s missions is to encourage the involvement of the MSU students, faculty and staff in filling needs in our service region.  Our goal is to instill a lifelong dedication to volunteerism in our community. We really appreciate Coach Ballard for his efforts and his willingness to go the extra mile for this event.”

Make a Difference Day is a national yearly day of service started by USA Weekend.

Ballard stated he hopes that he and his team can extend the project to include MSU’s 22-county service region.

Additional information is available by contacting McBrayer-Pratt at (606) 783-2274 or by visiting the center’s Web site at www.moreheadstate.edu/engagement.

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