Shoe Carnival gives soles to the world

For the third time in two years, Shoe Carnival is partnering with shoe charity Soles4Souls Inc. through Sept. 29 to give away shoes to those in need.

Customers at all 314 store locations, including one at Westwood Plaza in West Ashley and Azalea Square in Summerville, will have the opportunity to donate $1 at the register.

The Evansville, Ind.-based company hopes to raise at least $140,000 through the in-store program. All funds will be applied toward sending a new pair of shoes to victims of natural disasters or those living in extreme poverty, both in the U.S. and around the world.

Cutie patooties

Charleston-based Cutie Pa Tutus is making some celebrities' kids cutie patooties.

Actress Jessica Alba's daughter, Honor, recently wore a personalized super hero cape by Cutie Pa Tutus at Los Angeles International Airport. Actress Tori Spelling's daughter, Stella, recently sent company owner Amanda Duke a thank you note for the pink ladybug Pa Tutu and magic wand set she received. And Denise Richards tweeted about how her daughters loved the tutus they received.

Duke started Cutie Pa Tutus last December after searching for a tutu for her daughter's first princess party and to give the mother of two a more flexible work schedule. In just a few months, her business has expanded to 13 states as well as South Africa and Saudi Arabia. She's working with a distributor to send them to Japan as well.

Strum fun

Sierra Guitars will sponsor Awendaw Green's Rocktoberfest 2009 on Oct. 9-12 in Awendaw.

Sierra Guitars will raffle off two Sierra guitars during the event with all proceeds benefiting the Charleston County Band Instrument Fund.

Rocktoberfest will feature more than 75 of Charleston's best bands of all genres and generations. The four-day event for all ages allows camping on site. Three stages will have live music performances from noon until 11 p.m. each day.

The event will also feature regional performers including Crowfield, Cravin' Melon and Joel Hamilton.

Meal plan

In an effort to improve the quality of food in schools, Whole Foods Market is sponsoring a Lunch Makeover Video Contest for parents, schools, students or anyone passionate about increasing awareness of the importance of fresh, healthy school lunches.

Just submit a one-minute video why your school is ready for a visit from Renegade Lunch Lady Ann Cooper. Winner will be selected based on originality, the ability to showcase need and community excitement around improving the school lunch program.

Video submissions will be accepted through Oct. 8. For details on submission, go to http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/schoollunchmakeover.

In the know?

Do you know of a business that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Warren Wise at 937-5524 or wwise@postandcourier.com.