Self-taught real estate mogul is on a mission to donate shoes worth $1 million to kids in need

Being compassionate and kind to people is not a trait that everyone has. It takes a lot to give away what you have just to make others happy. And real estate mogul Patrick Carroll sure knows how to do that. At the start of the year, he promised to help kids in need by donating $1 million worth of shoes, and by March 2023, he seemed to be well on his way, according to PEOPLE. Reportedly, Carroll gave away $300,000 worth of sneakers to children in Miami, Tampa and Atlanta till March this year.

He brought around 600 pairs of shoes worth $100,000 to the children at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta on March 23, 2023. "I started my company in Atlanta, so to be here at the Boys & Girls Club speaking to the kids about the power of entrepreneurship means so much to me," he said. "I want them to know, if I can do it, anybody can."

Last November, during the second stop of the philanthropic tour, Carroll told PEOPLE how his upbringing inspires him to help people around him. "I am far from the typical success story," he said at the time. "I got in some trouble growing up, didn't go to college, and was self-taught. I think the message of the American Dream and working hard for your dreams is so important, especially these days."

Carroll, with help from sneaker aficionado Ben Kickz, pulled up at each location in a Brinks truck that had sneakers in all styles and sizes. The kids tried out the sneakers they liked and they took home whatever they chose. "I know firsthand how aspirational having the right pair of sneakers can be to a kid in need,” Carroll said, reported by Goalcast. “It’s incredible to see the looks on these kids’ faces when we pull up in that truck.”

The next round of Carroll's $1 million distribution tour is yet to be announced. But now, as he is a third of the way to his goal, he is set on helping more children. 

On May 4, Carroll and Miami Heat's Tyler Herro came together for Tyler's Boy Wonder World Lifestyle Brand Launch and SOLARIS art exhibition to benefit charity, according to InTouch. The Office Art Gallery and SOLARIS presented the work of artist Johnny Robles and also launched Tyler's new clothing brand. It was sponsored by Carroll. “I love both charity and art so to have a chance to give back in the name of art makes this all worthwhile,” he said.

While talking about how he got involved with the event, he said, “I’m an art collector and the gallery owner Matt [Chevallard] is a good buddy of mine who felt Tyler Herro and I could join forces to make a difference. When I see a great opportunity to be involved with some truly talented artists and support my community, I can’t miss it!” It is said that 100% of the proceeds from the event will go to a charity of Carroll's choice.

Also, in March, Caroll became a sponsor of Model Volleyball, an organization that supports the community in Miami Beach, Florida. A part of the proceeds of Model Volleyball's big event went to AWOM, a non-profit that creates a safe space for young middle school girls in the community.