Still Kickin w City Boots in honor of Will Bentley

When I lost my husband suddenly a year ago to natural causes, I knew it would change me for the rest of my life. I know now, more than ever, that health is not something to take for granted. I find it eerie that on the anniversary of William’s passing the entire world has had their lives turned upside down, and I see this as an opportunity for us all to band together.

When Will passed, I was lucky to have constant love, words of encouragement and care packages flooding in from my amazing customers, family, and friends. It helped keep me going and taught me the importance of community and support. I received cards and gifts from many of you I had never even met before. Talk about powerful!

In the days after my loss, I was also lucky enough to find a support system, beyond my personal loved ones and caring customers, among people who also lost their spouses at a young age through a woman named Norah Borealis (you can watch her Ted Talk on grief linked below). The more stories I hear, the more I realize how many people experience hardship and loss on a daily basis (more than just spousal loss), many of who have very little support, both financially and emotionally.

This pandemic has and will hit some harder than others, and during such a trying time for so many, I feel emboldened to give back.

I am proud of the community we have at CITY Boots, and if you find yourself in a position to help, I encourage you to look into the organization Norah started, one which I believe in. 

It’s called Still Kickin and its mission is to provide string-free grants to people going through something terrible. Because when you’re going through something terrible, a little support goes a long way. And with that support we can all keep Kickin’.

There are 2 ways you can give. For this week, in William’s honor, I am donating 100% of the profitsfrom all boot sales to Still Kickin, so with the purchase of a new pair, you’ll be helping those in need. You can also pledge a cash donation in the amount of your choosing to directly benefit the organization here (no donation is too small, every dollar makes a difference).

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and considering the opportunity to give to a greater cause and support others who have experienced tragedy.

In boots,

Lizzy Chesnut Bentley
Founder

If you would like to know more about William you can read about him here and here.

Watch Norah's Ted Talk on We Don't Move on From Grief here.
Learn about Still Kickin here.