All of the auction proceeds will go toward the purchase and distribution of new shoes for orphans in the United States and more than 25 countries around the world.

Celebrities and sports heroes who have donated shoes for the cause include Heidi Klum, Charlize Theron, Brooke Shields, Clint Eastwood, Christina Ricci, LeAnn Rimes, Vanna White, Carol Burnett, Jeff Foxworthy, Julianne Moore, Niki Taylor, Christy Turlington, and Mike Modano.

"Whether it's a favorite pair of shoes from our childhood or a famous pair like Elvis' blue suede shoes, shoes have a unique appeal in our culture," said Tiffany Taylor, marketing director of Buckner Orphan Care International.

"Many orphans go without the basic necessities, with shoes being one of the biggest needs. There are many great celebrities donating shoes for others to walk away with, so that we can give shoes to others to walk away with."

From March to May 2003, many of the autographed shoes will tour malls in major markets, starting in Los Angeles and ending in New York. Those interested in Celebrity Shoes for Orphans can sign up on www.celebrityshoesfororphans.org to receive e-mail updates on the tour and auction, and get notices as new shoes are added to the list.

Buckner Orphan Care International is part of one of the largest social services organizations of its kind in the nation with Shoes for Orphan Souls being one of the agency's many projects. Since 1999, Buckner Orphan Care International has collected and distributed over 600,000 pairs of shoes to children in the U.S. and around the world. More information is available at www.shoesfororphansouls.org .