No socks, no shoes, no problem for IUPUI coach, Ron Hunter. Hunter roamed the sidelines at Thursday night’s basketball game while missing part of his wardrobe for a good cause.

The IUPUI coach took to the hardwood without shoes in an effort to collect shoes, at least 40,000 pairs of them.

“We’ve got great students here and I appreciate all of their support, not only from our students but from around the country. The people of this country have been so generous. I am really excited about it,” said Hunter.

The event is an effort to raise awareness for needy children. Fans and students were asked to bring a pair of shoes to Thursday night’s game.

Not only did they donate, they also followed in the coaches footsteps.

“Everybody I talked to today in all of my classes, they were either going to support or donate. It was pretty cool,” said IUPUI student, Oscar Sleppy.

Hunter is working with a North Carolina charity called Samaritan’s Feet. All of the shoes will be sent to needy children in Africa.

“Everyone around the world should deserve to have something on their feet and even if some of us can’t donate, it is still a good cause to support,” said Sleppy.

The event was a slam dunk. Before the game even started, Hunter had already collected more than 110,000 pairs of shoes.

“I’m hoping to reach 150 or 200,000 pairs. I would love to see us reach 500% of our original goal,” said Hunter.

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